Art is exapansion of Concisousness- Shri Sadguru Madhusudan Sai
5th March, New Delhi: The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) hosted a significant event marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IGNCA and Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence (SSSUHE), aimed at fostering cultural and academic collaboration. The occasion was graced by the esteemed presence of Shri Sadguru Madhusudan Sai, Founder of SSSUHE, Padma Bhushan Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, President of IGNCA, and Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed by Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi on behalf of IGNCA and Dr. Sreekanth Murthy K., Vice-Chancellor of SSSUHE, marked a significant step towards cultural and academic enrichment, reflecting a shared commitment to preserving and promoting traditional arts. Also present were Padma Vibhushan Dr. Sonal Mansingh, renowned Guru, scholar, Trustee of IGNCA, and former Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), along with Dr. Priyanka Mishra, Director (Administration), IGNCA.
Speaking on the occasion, Sadguru Madhusudan Sai referenced the concept of Yogaḥ Karmasu Kauśalam and emphasised that along with the preservation of arts, there is also a need to support and sustain artists. He stated that when something is initiated with the same intent and objective, it resembles a Sangam (confluence), and this occasion itself symbolises the coming together of two institutions in a similar manner. Emphasising the profound nature of artistic pursuits, he reiterated that those associated with art embody a sense of divinity, which truly reflects the purpose of their existence. He observed that mediocrity in society stems from a misalignment between individuals and their professions, which has unfortunately become widely accepted. However, art does not permit such complacency, as it is an expansion of consciousness. He further remarked that there exists a higher ideal of excellence that surpasses all else, and it is something we must collectively strive to achieve. True development cannot be mediocre; it must be a pursuit of excellence- and art makes that possible. Shri Sadguru also acknowledged the suggestion of the renowned art guru, Sonal Mansingh, that the 100-day event being organised by his university in Karnataka, with a focus on humanity, would now extend to 101 days. The event will witness participation from students, teachers, and art connoisseurs from 100 countries.
During his address, Shri Ram Bahadur Rai elaborated on the classifications of knowledge, explaining the distinctions between ‘Guru’, ‘Siddha’, and ‘Sadguru’. He stated that while a Guru is one who imparts education, a ‘Siddha’ is a disciple who surpasses even the ‘Guru’ in wisdom, whereas a ‘Sadguru’ transcends both. He also mentioned that the term ‘Samavartan’ was found by Prof. Pratapananda Jha, Dean (Academics) and Director (CIL), and that SGT University, where he serves as Chancellor, has already implemented it. He further remarked that while we have created boundaries of religion and sects, Shri Sadguru’s university is dedicated to education and training with humanity at its core. Recalling Gurudev’s Santiniketan, he drew a connection to SGT University and stated that Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence is, in essence, a Maha-Shantiniketan-a grand abode of peace. He added that while the younger generation aspires to study at Oxford and Cambridge, witnessing the initiatives of Shri Sadguru’s institution might inspire people from around the world to come to India instead. The confluence of these two institutions will generate strength and new possibilities.
Padma Vibhushan Dr. Sonal Mansingh, in her address, acknowledged that no matter how much one does, it is never enough-something clearly reflected in the remarkable work of Shri Sadguru Madhusudan Sai. She described the agreement between the two institutions not as a mere MoU but as a Mahakumbh- a grand confluence of ideas and efforts. Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary of IGNCA, described Sadguru’s 101 Days – 100 Countries initiative as a sacred ‘Yajna’ for humanity. Speaking about IGNCA, he remarked that under the leadership of its President, Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, the institution has been shaped into a dynamic and multidimensional organisation rather than just a government body. During her welcome address, Dr. Priyanka Mishra stated that the signing of this MoU reflects a shared commitment to promoting and preserving India’s rich cultural diversity and timeless heritage, reinforcing the collective mission to safeguard and celebrate its artistic and intellectual traditions.
Prof. Sudhir Lall, Head of the Kalakosh Department at IGNCA, described the occasion as a confluence of yoga and art. He noted that this was not a mere beginning but a continuation of an ongoing association, as IGNCA has already gained much from its collaboration with Sadguru’s university—a relationship that will persist and evolve further. The event was anchored by Sumit Dey, Assistant Professor at CIL, IGNCA. The event commenced with students from Sri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence presenting Kabir bhajans alongside renditions depicting the Pandharpur Yatra. Films showcasing the progressive journey of both institutions were also screened.
