27.12.2025

A tribute to Naggar and the Himalayas. An exhibition of paintings by Priya Shandili

In December, during the Christmas holidays, the International Roerich Memorial Trust opened an exhibition of paintings by Priya Shandilya, dedicated to the beauty of the town of Naggar and the surrounding Himalayas. Priya is a professional journalist, and her artistic talent has only awakened in recent years, when she left the hustle and bustle of the city for Naggar and fell in love with these blessed places. Although she remains faithful to her profession as a journalist, it is painting that allows her to express her deepest and truest feelings and share them with viewers.

The guest of honor at the exhibition opening was Mr. Nakul Khular, director of the renowned Baragarh Resorts & Spa, IHСL SeleQtions, Manali. Nakul Khular loves art and is a very creative person himself—it is no coincidence that he was awarded the Vijeta award for outstanding achievements in the field of project implementation. Therefore, this is not the first time he has gladly accepted invitations to participate in ceremonial events at the IRMT and welcome artists. The opening of the exhibition was also attended by Larisa Surgina, Russian Curator of the IRMT (on the direction from the ICR, Moscow), Suresh Kumar, Indian Curator of the IRMT, as well as visitors and employees of the Roerich Trust. The speakers heartily congratulated Priya on her first exhibition and wished her success.

Let's hear from the artist herself, Priya Shandilya:

«My journey in art is inspired by the same instinct of Beauty that inspired Nicholas Roerich to create and live in Naggar.

After arriving in Naggar in 2022, I couldn’t help but fall in love with the air of Art and Spirituality in every corner of Naggar - the tall Deodar trees, the comforting yet distant mountain views, the peace of Godliness, and the spirit of history of other Mahatmas who have been here.

Eventually, when one sits enough in Silence, it moves and seeks expression and for me, it was through Art. Seeking to immerse myself in a meditative space, I started painting and soon became attentive to Beauty outside and Beauty within and to translating some of that in Beauty on paper and then canvas.

Soon, colors, hues, textures, moods became my language and the Himalayas my muse. Naggar became not just my home but a temple through which Art flowed through me. Eventually, like tree laden heavy with fruits, I decided to share my art with the world and that’s how my first exhibition on Christmas 2025 came about.

I continue to be an eternal student of Art and devoteee of Beauty and I hope to continue this journey in Naggar and in Himalayas to the end of my life. »