30.01.2023

Svetoslav Roerich`s Memory Day in the Roerich Estate in Naggar

On January 30, 2023, the International Roerich Memorial Trust honored the memory of the great Russian artist, thinker and public figure, the youngest son of the Roerich family, Svetoslav Roerich. 

Using an infinitely rich palette of colors, conveying the very inexhaustibility of life, its shades and meanings, he embodied in his canvases and gave the world the life of India, with its millennia-old, deep and intimate wisdom. 

The embodiment of the exquisite beauty of this country was his wife, Devika Rani Roerich, a famous Indian actress, whose captivating image Svetoslav Roerich depicted in her beautiful portraits. Their union became a kind of bridge between the two peoples and cultures – the impersonation of their spiritual connection. 

On this memorable day flower garlands of marigolds were put on the sculptures of Svetoslav Roerich and Devika Rani Roerich, installed on May 1, 2022 near summer studio of Svetoslav Roerich. The same garlands honored the bronze busts of his parents, Nicholas Roerich and Helena Roerich.  

His amazing art is a harmonious synthesis of the East and the West.  It includes spiritual achievements of the Renaissance, creative quests of his contemporary epoch, traditions of ancient Indian art, and, of course, Russian culture, love and selfless service to which he carried in his heart throughout his life. 

Mr. Suresh Kumar, Indian Curator of IRMT, addressing the guests who visited the estate, noted the outstanding contribution of Svetoslav Roerich to the social and cultural life of India.  He drew special attention to the enormous role of Svetoslav Roerich in the work of the «Urusvati» Himalayan Research Institute due to the wide range of his knowledge, scientific and life interests. 

Valentina Vinogradova, assistant to the Russian curator of IRMT, said that whole Svetoslav Roerich's life and work was permeated by a belief in the transformative power of Beauty. The pursuit of the Beautiful is an expression of Svetoslav Roerich's philosophy and life aspirations.  

How truly necessary for each of us today are his parting words: « Let’s carry the news of beauty to every heart, every house. Let striving for the beautiful become our everyday prayer… Search for beauty – this is what will bring people together and save the world. At the difficult moments of life, one should think of beauty.»