10.10.2025

International Conference “Under the Banner of Culture” dedicated to 90th Anniversary of the Roerich Pact and the Banner of Peace

On 10 October, the International Roerich Memorial Trust hosted its annual international scientific Conference. To mark the 90th anniversary of the signing of the Roerich Pact, this year's conference was titled 'Under the Banner of Culture'. The Banner of Peace became a symbol of the Roerich Pact and of the protection of cultural values for the future of humanity. Conference participants gave presentations on the theme of protecting the future by understanding the past and present, and preserving universal cultural values.

At the beginning of the meeting, Indian Curator Suresh Kumar and Russian Curator Larisa Surgina gave welcoming speeches. They welcomed the participants and guests of the conference on behalf of the Trust, expressing their hope that the pressing issue of cultural protection, close to the hearts of all those present, would be one of the conference's key topics and enable participants to reconsider Roerich's ideas and their relevance in the modern world. They firmly hoped that the conference would provide an opportunity for profound reflection, enabling participants to reconsider the prophetic ideas of Nicholas Roerich with a heightened sense of awareness, recognising their critical and undeniable relevance to the healing and harmonisation of our troubled modern world. Dr Olga Karaseva, an orientalist and assistant to the Russian Curator of the IRMT, was both the moderator and interpreter of the conference.

Vladimir Okolotin, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Head of the Department of Russian History at Ivanovo State University, Deputy Chairman of the Public Chamber of the Ivanovo Region and member of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation, revealed an important facet of meaning in Nicholas Roerich's legacy in his presentation. Dr Okolotin's focus was on the theme of the Motherland, which was always particularly important to the great artist. Following the First World War, in the face of a looming military threat, Roerich dedicated himself to protecting cultural heritage. These efforts resulted in the Roerich Pact. The artist understood that the impending war would be directed against his homeland; therefore, for him, the theme of preserving culture merged with the concepts of patriotism and defending the Fatherland. Dr Okolotin's report examined patriotism as part of the historical and cultural code of humanity through the prism of Roerich's work during the Great Patriotic War. "Defending the Motherland means defending culture too," wrote Roerich. 'The Great Motherland, all its treasures... we will defend.' During the war, the Roerich family did everything they could to support the Soviet people in their sacred struggle. This nationwide impulse became one of the most important features of Russian mentality. On the 80th anniversary of Victory Day, Nicholas Roerich's messages about defending culture, resisting ignorance and protecting the treasures of the Motherland are more relevant and urgent than ever.

The first person to deliver a presentation that opened up a new dimension in the understanding of cultural heritage was Dr Om Kumar Sharma, the founder and head of the Sanskrit school in Kullu. In his speech, which featured recitations of remarkable shlokas and sacred mantras from ancient Sanskrit texts, the revered pandit revealed the profound connection between Nicholas Roerich's ideas — his call for the protection of cultural values and the concept of 'peace through culture' — and the ancient principles of Indian philosophy, which have their roots in the Vedic texts. Dr Om emphasised that the concept of peace — 'śānti' — is not merely a desirable state, but an inherent principle established in the earliest texts, inseparable from the concept of 'dharma'. Dharma, one of the key concepts in Indian philosophy, is often mistranslated as 'religion'. In its deepest sense, dharma means universal law, righteousness, fundamental nature or the right and proper way of being. He noted that a person becomes involved in their Dharma only through the cultivation of personal culture and the development of noble qualities such as kshama (forgiveness), dama (control of the senses) and shaucha (internal and external purity). It is by following dharma that the path to true culture is revealed, allowing one to attain a state of shanti — imperturbable peace and harmony. Attaining shanti and following dharma in the context of one's personal life enables a person to become a conscious link in the evolution of all humanity. Thus, individual self-improvement and the transformation of consciousness are the keys to transforming the world.

Nicholas Roerich, a profound admirer of Indian culture and philosophy, drew inspiration from these eternal truths. His artistic endeavours were in harmony with the origins of Indian philosophical thought, as set out in the Vedas. Through his creative and cultural work, he reintroduced ancient wisdom to the modern world, proposing the unification of art, science and religion as a single Circle of Culture. In doing so, he connected the present, past and future within the Circle of Eternity.

Dr Harsh Inder Loomba, a senior research fellow at the Ministry of Culture of the Government of India and an artist and scholar, delivered her video-presentation with particular solemnity. The theme of her speech was an in-depth exploration of the Roerich Pact through the lens of the Master's own great art. She convincingly demonstrated that genuine and lasting peace cannot be achieved solely through political instruments and manoeuvres, but rather through the careful preservation of culture as a living source and bearer of universal evolutionary values. Roerich's art was an integral part of his profound spiritual mission, designed to awaken the world's consciousness to the vital necessity of protecting cultural heritage. Through his paintings, the Master created a powerful visual language capable of inspiring humanity to create a better future. As the artist himself stated: 'Peace is not the absence of war; it is the presence of culture.' According to Roerich, true peace is not rooted in ephemeral agreements, but in a transformed state of human consciousness that comprehends and accepts the protection of the most evolutionarily significant principle. Therefore, each of us — whether an artist, scientist or ordinary citizen — has the ability to embody Roerich's noble ideas in our daily actions and continue his mission.

The presentation by Christian Knöfel from Switzerland and Carol Fraser, a British artist and his partner was an important highlight in terms of understanding the legacy of Nicholas Roerich. In the report, Mr Knöfel skilfully analysed the challenges facing the modern world, against which the ideas of this great humanist are particularly relevant. He noted that today, humanity is confronted by aggressive global conglomerates that seek to exert complete control over our resources and daily lives by imposing a cult of consumption and competition. Against this bleak backdrop of endless wars robbing us of confidence in the future and of education losing its spiritual foundation, Roerich emerges as a visionary offering an alternative path. His mission is to lead humanity towards the light based on fundamental values. His ideas about achieving peace through culture and counteracting destruction to create a harmonious society, where each person's freedom and responsibility are inextricably linked to inner spiritual growth and a careful attitude towards the Earth and the cosmos, take on new meaning today.

Christian Knöfel's speech was complemented by Carol Fraser, an artist whose exhibition of paintings had opened the previous day in the IRMT Exhibition Hall. She observed that modern science is unable to explain the spiritual origin of everything, and therefore this is often denied or considered unimportant — hence the many shortcomings of modern civilisation. However, the importance and primacy of the spiritual principle is becoming increasingly obvious. Even a scientific genius like Albert Einstein recognised God's existence at the end of his life because only God can explain the law to which the universe is subject. Through her paintings, Carol Fraser conveys the connection between the visible and invisible worlds and the importance of the spiritual principle for humanity's future development. She also illustrates the paths by which people's immortal souls can ascend to higher spheres of existence.

Two video-presentations at the conference focused on the year's landmark event: the publication of a trilingual edition of Nicholas Roerich's collection of essays titled “East-West”, in Russian, English and Hindi. This ambitious project was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the International Centre of the Roerichs (ICR) and the IRMT.

Dr Meeta Narain, a renowned writer, translator and literary critic, shared her experience of working on the Hindi translation of the book. She emphasised that immersing herself in the material had given her a new understanding of the exceptional relevance of N. Roerich's ideas. His assertion that international harmony and mutual understanding are impossible without culture is particularly pertinent today. Cultural and educational initiatives, such as the publication of the “East-West” books, play a crucial role in disseminating these humanistic ideas.

Dr. Narain dedicated a separate section of her report to the foreword written by the distinguished orientalist and thinker Academician Lyudmila Shaposhnikova. This analytical text reveals the fundamental problem of Russia's geopolitical and cultural position at the crossroads of East and West.

For centuries, Russian philosophical thought has focused on identifying a distinctive cultural identity and defining the country's historical purpose. Nicholas Roerich occupies a pivotal position among scholars investigating this issue. He proposed the visionary idea that Russia is not a passive geographical territory, but an active cultural bridge — a metaphysical and spiritual platform designed to bring about a great civilisation synthesis by harmoniously uniting the spiritual aspirations and cultural achievements of the East and West. This definition, deeply rooted in the concept of culture, highlights Russia's unique contribution to global mutual understanding.

Sakshi Agarwal, the translator and editor of the book “East-West”, presented a detailed analysis of her methodology for working with Roerich's multilayered texts. She emphasised the uniqueness of the translation task due to the author's prose being so multifaceted and vivid. To achieve maximum accuracy in conveying Roerich's style and preserving his profound philosophical thought, the team had to use special techniques. One such technique was the "expansion of translation", whereby one Russian word was replaced by several to ensure complete semantic correspondence. Agarwal noted that the key theme running through all of Roerich's essays is the fundamental principle of the unity of humanity. Inseparably linked to this principle is the triad of Beauty, Knowledge, and Culture, which Roerich saw as the driving force behind development and dialogue between the East and the West. Each essay clearly reflects the author's deep respect for ancient cultures and traditions, as well as his belief in their shared origins and enduring wisdom.

In his report, 'The Roerich Pact: History and Modernity in the Land of Poets and Philosophers', Rainer Schneider, Deputy Chairman of the German Roerich Society, vividly described the many years of tireless work that went into popularising Nicholas Roerich’s humanistic legacy in Germany. For many years, the heart of Roerich's peacemaking ideas – the international exhibition project 'The Roerich Pact: History and Modernity', initiated by the International Centre of the Roerichs (ICR) – has travelled through German cities on an educational journey. This impressive public initiative aims to affirm the principles of protecting humanity's cultural heritage in times of peace and international conflict. Held with the support of authoritative bodies such as the German National Commission for UNESCO, the exhibitions have always resonated with the German public, demonstrating the relevance of the ideas that form the basis of modern international humanitarian law. Exhibited in cities such as Berlin, Bonn, Bochum, Essen and Naumburg, the project featured unique archival materials and reproductions of Roerich's paintings, becoming a powerful bridge between history and the present. Held in libraries, university auditoriums and museum halls, the exhibitions spread the call for 'Peace through Culture' in a country renowned for its contributions to world philosophy and literature. The German Roerich Society's educational activities have become a vivid example of how the ideas of the Russian humanist continue to inspire and unite people in the name of preserving the most important thing: cultural heritage as the foundation of human civilisation.

Next, the audience was presented with an in-depth cultural analysis exploring the connection between Roerich's ideas and humanity's historical past. Natalia Bazhenova, an eminent cultural figure and deputy head of the N.K. Roerich Cultural Centre, as well as head of the Department of Applied Arts at the A. Kasteev Kazakh State Museum of Fine Arts and a member of the Union of Artists of the Republic of Kazakhstan, delivered a video-presentation titled 'The Symbolism of the Banner of Peace in Traditional Kazakh Art'. This was preceded by an inspiring introductory speech from Vadim Akhtyamov, a member of the N.Roerich Cultural Centre and Chairman of the Almaty Cultural Support Fund, 'Heart of Asia'. In his address, he emphasised the global evolutionary significance of the Roerich Pact and its exceptional importance in preventing international conflicts. He noted in particular that 2025 marks the 80th  anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War and recalled the heroic contribution of the Kazakh people to this sacred victory. Mr Akhtyamov then warmly invited everyone present to visit Kazakhstan, a country with a rich spiritual heritage whose traditional culture was the subject of Ms Bazhenova's presentation. Following this profound and inspiring introduction, the audience were eager to delve into the realm of ancient Kazakh symbols, where Roerich's legacy finds vivid and tangible expression.

In her presentation, the distinguished scholar and artist Natalia Bazhenova explored the sacred world of traditional Kazakh ornaments, focusing on the multifaceted symbolism of the Trinity. Her presentation was a profound exploration of the origins of ornamentation, revealing it to be more than mere decoration — it is a preserved knowledge of nomadic civilisation. The speaker emphasised that the origins of these images lie in the cosmogony of nomads. For them, the sky and the stars were not just a landscape, but a great book of paths. Astronomical knowledge — the positions of the stars and planets, which served as a compass during their endless wanderings — was recorded and passed on within their dwellings. Thus, a yurt adorned with celestial motifs became a miniature model of the macrocosm, seamlessly integrating humanity into the orderly fabric of the universe. The symbolism of the Trinity, reflecting the three worlds or states (past, present and future; earth, humanity and the sky), is expressed in two interrelated forms of ornamentation: the zoomorphic "қошқармүйіз" (ram's horns) pattern, one of the oldest and most fundamental elements of Kazakh ornamentation. It symbolises fertility, vitality, abundance and family well-being, as well as plant motifs, particularly the trefoil. This plant symbolises growth, rebirth, and the inseparable connection between humans and the cyclical nature of life. An additional metaphysical aspect of the Trinity is associated with fire, an ancient and universal symbol of purity and the purification of spaces, as well as a connection to more subtle worlds and spiritual dimensions. This sacred language of ornamentation was used to decorate elements of yurt furnishings, traditional carpets and household items, which were believed to provide protection and blessings. The speaker emphasised that the vitality of this symbol demonstrates the continuity of Central Asian cultures and their deep historical memory. Recalling the spread of Buddhism in these territories, she noted that this triple sign was harmoniously associated with the concept of Triratna – the Three Jewels of Buddha's teachings – confirming nomadic culture's ability to assimilate and preserve spiritual ideas from different eras. The Trinity ornament is a living code that reflects a people's path, worldview and spiritual heritage.

After the seemingly endless steppes of Kazakhstan, the audience was invited to travel to the home city of Nicholas Roerich in northern Russia: St. Petersburg. They listened attentively to Lyudmila Kirsanova's video-report. She is a professor at the St. Petersburg State Art and Industry Academy named after A.L.Stieglitz. The topic of her report was 'Following the footsteps of N.Roerich: Izborsk and Pechory'. Professor Kirsanova recounted how she had been inspired by the legacy of the great artist to make a pilgrimage along his historical route in the Pskov region. At the beginning of the 20 century, in 1903, Roerich and his wife, Helena, undertook an extensive journey 'in search of antiquity' to over forty ancient Russian cities. Their visit to Izborsk and Pechory was not a tourist trip, but was commissioned by the Imperial Society for the Encouragement of the Arts for scientific research and artistic purposes. The Pskov-Pechora Monastery in Pechory made a special, indelible impression on Roerich. In his travel diaries, the artist noted: 'Our monastery is special... All around is pitch darkness; you can't see a thing. But above the monastery, it is light.' Inspired by these places, Roerich created iconic works such as 'Pechory. Monastery Walls and Towers', 'Truvor's Cross', and 'Poluverka' (dedicated to the local Setu people). Following in his footsteps, Lyudmila Kirsanova visited the same historical sites, capturing their unchanging grandeur and beauty in her own artistic creations. Inspired by what she saw, the artist created a series of paintings depicting ancient cities and their fortifications, thus continuing the centuries-old dialogue between the arts.

In addition, the report highlighted an important initiative by ICR (Moscow) to perpetuate the memory of the artist: in the city of Pechory, on the house at 31st Pskovskaya Street, where Nicholas and Helena Roerich stayed in 1903, a commemorative plaque was installed. It is symbolic that a teacher from the Stieglitz Academy, Ivan Kazakov, became an author of this memorial, confirming the inseparable connection between the St. Petersburg art school and the legacy of the great master. 

The international public-scientific conference held at the International Roerich Memorial Trust (IRMT) in Naggar and dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the Roerich Pact and the Banner of Peace became not just a scientific event, but also a vivid demonstration of the enduring nature of cultural dialogue. Participants from different countries confirmed that the principles laid down by Nicholas Roerich are more relevant today than ever, under the common motto "Under the Banner of Culture". The presentations, which ranged from an analysis of the symbolism of Kazakh ornaments and the experience of popularising the Pact in Germany to a creative pilgrimage to Roerich sites in Russia and inspiring projects with young talents, convincingly demonstrated that Roerich's ideas have transcended borders and eras. The Roerich Pact, the world's first international treaty on the protection of cultural heritage, continues to serve as a moral and legal compass for humanity as a whole. Its essence, encapsulated in the phrase 'Peace through Culture', offers the only reliable path to a civilised future based on creation rather than destruction. As emphasised at the conference, culture is not a luxury, but an irrefutable evolutionary imperative. The cooperation between the ICR, the IRMT, and other societies, centres, and educational institutions proves that Roerich's legacy lives on and grows through collaboration. In today's world, which faces new challenges, the Banner of Peace remains a symbol of hope and a call for conscious co-creation.

Nadezhda Kobzistova, an art historian and member of the International Council of Roerich Organisations, as well as being the curator of the 'Fine Arts' category of the international 'Roerich's Realm' competition and a senior teacher at Gymnasium 8 'Lyceum named after S.P. Diaghilev' in Yekaterinburg, spoke about her experience of communicating with the young participants of the competition and their mentors. 

Emphasising the fundamental importance of art in the context of the scientific worldview of Agni Yoga, she stated that art is a vitally necessary phenomenon for everyone and their evolution. She reminded us that, during the creative process, the artist acts as a conduit, bringing images from the spiritual and intellectual realms into the physical world. Such works, filled with lofty ideas, can inspire thoughtful viewers, readers or listeners to transform and improve themselves and the world around them. The diversity of art means that everyone can find a work that uplifts the spirit and corresponds to their level of consciousness. Visual art, in particular, speaks to the viewer in a unique language of colour, rhythm, line, and volume. These established forms resonate almost instantly with the soul, drawing people into the creative fire. The speaker quoted Svetoslav Roerich as saying, 'The viewer becomes a co-creator, and the painting is always alive for everyone who looks at it.' This is particularly pertinent in the context of children's creativity, which is characterised by an incredible immediacy of experience, emotionality and richness of impression. The form of a child's drawing is dictated by their sincerity of feeling. While not everyone retains their childhood expressiveness when learning realistic techniques, the ideas and creative experiences formed in youth do not disappear. They manifest in unexpected ways, forming important steps in the development of the future personality. The teacher plays a key role in this process, inspiring and nourishing students with images, engaging them in creative communication with works of art, and refining their senses to aspire to the higher. Otherwise, as Mrs Kobzistova noted, education risks becoming "cold craftsmanship" that can stifle talent instead of nurturing it. Against the backdrop of current world events, the younger generation is particularly inspired by the themes embedded in Roerich's legacy, such as his family's archaeological research, the preservation of cultural monuments and great personalities, and themes of courage, heroism, compassion and mercy. Ancient legends and folk epics are revived in dreams of happiness and prosperity for all. Young people demonstrate a willingness to consciously embrace the finest creative aspirations of humanity, striving to become creators of a new, better world. The author's inspiring presentation was a fitting conclusion to the conference.

Next came an inspiring message from Tamara Merges, Head of the Volunteer Group at the International Centre of the Roerich (ICR) and Coordinator of the 'Roerich's Realm' Children and Youth Festival. She shared her invaluable experience of working with young people and spoke about the successful international cooperation that formed the basis for the festival. She emphasised that the 'Roerich's Realm' festival is an initiative organised by the ICR in close partnership with the IRMT in Naggar, India, and inspired by the ICR in Moscow. This partnership provides a direct link to the Himalayas, where the Roerichs lived and worked. The second festival, held in 2025 to mark the 90th anniversary of the signing of the Roerich Pact, received widespread international coverage and brought together creative children, schoolchildren, and students from six countries. The festival received an enthusiastic response in India, with students from general education schools in the Kullu Valley, pupils from the IRMT's Helena Roerich Academy of Arts for Children and students from the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi taking an active part in four creative categories. The participation of the St. Petersburg State Art and Industry Academy named after A. L. Stieglitz was a particular point of pride. As a co-organiser of the festival, the Academy exhibited the work of its students, overseen by Professor L. Kirsanova, who led the university's involvement in the project. A striking result of this international creative union was the exhibition of the winners' works, 'Under the Banner of Peace', which was solemnly opened at the IRMT in Naggar. This exhibition provided visible proof that Roerich's ideas about the protection of culture continue to inspire a new generation of artists and thinkers around the world.