The Russian House in New Delhi held a distinguished conference on November 2 to honour the 150th anniversary of renowned Russian researcher, artist, and philosopher Nicholas Roerich. Initiated by the Rossotrudnichestvo Representative Office in India, the event celebrated Roerich’s profound contributions to the fields of art, philosophy, and intercultural dialogue. The gathering underscored Roerich’s enduring impact on fostering cultural ties between Russia and India and his vision for human development.

Russian Federation Ambassador to India Denis Alipov, Head of the Rossotrudnichestvo Representative Office in India Elena Remizova, and Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of Mongolia in India L. Ulziit opened the conference with welcoming speeches that highlighted Roerich’s influence in uniting the peoples of Russia, India, and Mongolia. Esteemed attendees included Alexey Bondarenko, Director of the St. Petersburg State Museum-Institute of the Roerich Family, and Yanzhmaa Bira, Director of the Roerich Family House Museum from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Also present were Mikhail Chiryatyev, Chairman of the St. Petersburg branch of the National Roerich Committee and Governing Council member of the International Roerich Memorial Trust (IRMT) in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh; V. Saxena, national lecturer of the Indian Section of the Theosophical Society; and prominent Indian scholars of Russian culture, including professors Ranjana Saxena, Mita Narain, and Suman Beniwal. Artist Akshat Sinha added a creative dimension to the discussions, celebrating Roerich’s artistic legacy.
Representatives from leading Russian cultural institutions joined the conference virtually, including Boris Johanson, Director of the Roerichs Museum (a branch of the State Museum of the East); Alexander Sedov, General Director of the State Museum of Oriental Art; and Kirill Zhdanov, Head of the N.K. Roerich Estate Museum in Izvar, Leningrad Region.

Their participation provided a broader perspective on Roerich’s international impact and brought together experts on Roerich’s contributions to Eastern and Western cultural discourse.
The conference included in-depth discussions on the relevance of Roerich’s artistic and philosophical ideas in today’s world, emphasising his work in promoting the spiritual and moral growth of humankind. The panelists underscored the Roerich family’s dedication to strengthening Russia-India relations through art, philosophy, and humanitarian efforts.

Through this significant event, participants reaffirmed Roerich’s legacy as a bridge between Russia and India, as well as his vision for a globally unified cultural heritage.