Roerich Art Gallery, a unique depiction of Indo-Russian culture: Governor

Shimla: Governor Bandaru Dattatraya today visited the well-known Roerich Art Gallery founded by Nicholas Roerich, a Russian painter at Naggar in district Kullu. Governor was on his two days visit to Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti districts. Indian Curator Ramesh Chandra and Russian Curator Larisa Surgina briefed the Governor about the works of Nicholas installed in Roerich Art Gallery.

The Curators apprised the Governor of four museums in the Art Gallery including the Roerich Art Gallery, Himalayan Folk Artistic Museum, Devika Rani Art Museum and Uraswati Museum. The governor visited all the museums and appreciated Nicholas for beautifully depicting the cultural heritage in his each creation.

Bandaru Dattatraya said that Nicholas Roerich lived in Naggar for 26 years and during this period, he produced more than 7000 paintings which are unique in itself. The Roerich Art Gallery depicted Indo-Russian culture very beautifully. It depicts the characteristics of the culture of the two countries. Not only this, Nicholas has made a great effort to cherish the rich cultural heritage of Himalayan culture especially in Kullu, Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti districts. His works attract the researchers. He said that every Indian should study the art of Roerich. Preserving the cultural heritage was a feature of Nicholas artistic creations.

The Governor said that the Roerich Art Gallery gave Naggar an international identity. He said that the splendour of this Gallery should be maintained and preserved so that the future generations continue to know about the Himalayan culture. Nicholas was not only a great painter, but also an archaeologist.

The Governor also visited the National Heritage Naggar Castle and said that Naggar has a unique history and this beautiful place indeed attracts lakhs of tourists every year.

Deputy Commissioner Dr. Richa Verma and Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh were also present on this occasion.