“Words and sounds have their own world; colours and lines have their own world; and expressions and gestures have yet another world. Bharatmuni’s ‘Natya Shastra’ brought all these elements together into one unified form,” said Shri Suresh Soni, Akhil Bharateeya Karyakarini Sadasya of Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), at Sanskar Bharati’s ‘Bharatmuni Samman 2024’ ceremony on February 22 at NDMC Convention Centre, New Delhi. “Mathematics and music define the universe. It is essential for individuals to be cultured for the welfare of the world. If a nation lacks cultural values, it can never progress and the ultimate objective of Sanskar Bharati is to imbue Bharat with cultural values. In this regard, art is the most profound medium, he emphaised.
While addressing the gathering, he urged the audience to dedicate themselves to Bharatiya art and culture. He also highlighted that Maharishi Bharatmuni devoted his entire life to artistic pursuit and that true success comes only through dedicated effort. Similarly, two such dedicated individuals who have devoted their lives to Bhartiya art have been honoured by Sanskar Bharati. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, who was also the chief guest of the event, stated that Bharat is undergoing a phase of cultural renaissance, and as the nation progresses in this direction, everyone must remain alert and vigilant. He further said that there could be no greater recognition in the field of art and culture than the ‘Bharatmuni Samman.’ He praised the awardees for their dedication to preserving and reviving India’s ancient art and cultural heritage, emphasising that Bharat is witnessing a cultural resurgence. However, he also stressed the need to be cautious and vigilant as the country moves forward. Sanskrit scholar Dr Harekrishna Meher, another recipient of the ‘Bharatmuni Samman – 2024,’ described Sanskar Bharati’s recognition of literature as a moment of great pride. Expressing his gratitude, he said, “I am deeply honoured to receive this award for Sanskrit literature. It is a matter of immense fortune for me.” He also noted that the honour brought pride to both the nation and his home state, Odisha. On this occasion, Dr Mysore Manjunath, Akhil Bhartiya President of Sanskar Bharati, stated that Sanskar Bharati is immensely honoured to recognise distinguished artists and literary figures through an award dedicated to Maharishi Bharatmuni.
It is to be noted that the Bharatmuni Samman is dedicated to Maharishi Bharatmuni, the author of the Natya Shastra, which is revered as the Fifth Veda. The Natya Shastra is the foundational text of Bharatiya art and artistic discourse. Sanskar Bharati organises Bharatmuni Smaran Diwas every year on Maghi Purnima across the country. The event was graced by several prominent personalities from the fields of art, literature, and social activism, including Padma Shri Pandit Ramdayal Sharma, National School of Drama Director Chittaranjan Tripathi, Kathak Kendra Director Pranami Bhagwati, National Modern Art Gallery Director Pooja Halli, Padma Shri Sumitra Guha, Advocate and Social Activist Subuhi Khan, Social Activist Preeti Pandey, several renowned artists, professors, scholars, and students from various institutions.
