Ayodhya Parv ends with rich tapestry of devotion
The three-day ‘Ayodhya Parv’, organised at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), concluded on Sunday with thought-provoking symposiums, spirited ‘Alha’ singing and soulful folk performances, celebrating the enduring cultural and spiritual legacy of Ayodhya.
Jointly hosted by IGNCA, Shri Ayodhya Nyas and Pragya Sansthan, the final day commenced with a literary symposium on ‘Shri Ram in the Essays of Kubernath Rai’. Speakers explored the presence of Shri Ram in the works of the renowned essayist, highlighting how Ram’s ideals form the foundation of the Indian psyche. They described Kubernath Rai’s insights as profoundly relevant in contemporary times.
The session saw the participation of Hindi scholars and litterateurs including Prof Sudhir Lal, Head of IGNCA’s Kala Kosh Division; Manoj Kumar Rai; Prof Devaraj; Awasthi; Rakesh Mishra; and Ramakant Rai. The speakers agreed that Rai’s prose reflects Shri Ram as a symbol of intellectual stability and cultural self-awareness.
The closing ceremony featured notable speakers such as Swami Sarvanand Saraswati, founder of the International Bhajan Sukhseva Mission; Rajendra Singh Pankaj, Central Secretary of the Vishva Hindu Parishad; Ramesh Chandra Gaur, Head of IGNCA’s Kala Nidhi Division and Dean (Administration); and artist Sunil Vishwakarma, creator of the iconic image of Ram Lalla for the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple.
The IGNCA president, Rambahadur Rai, was also present. Speakers reflected on Ayodhya’s cultural consciousness, the timeless ideals of Shri Ram and the deep roots of Indian identity.
Coordinator of Ayodhya Parv and former Faizabad MP Lallu Singh presented framed images of Ram Lalla to all guests as a token of gratitude. All symposium sessions across the three days were moderated by Bharti Ojha.
In his address, Swami Sarvanand Saraswati said, “Ram is not merely a name to be written in books. Ram is the ideal of a living, breathing life. He resides not just in Ayodhya, but in every heart.”
Rajendra Singh Pankaj added, “India may have become politically independent in 1947, but culturally we were still in chains. We were being asked for proof of Lord Ram’s birthplace. But times have changed.”
Artist Sunil Vishwakarma recounted the experience of being invited to paint Ram Lalla. “I felt unworthy of the task. It was as if someone was holding my hand and guiding me. The painting was completed in just two hours,” he said. “Ram is not a figment of imagination — He lives in everyone’s heart.”
Delhi