President to open Bhavan’s majestic Sanskritik Kendra in Koradi

Staff Reporter

PRESIDENT of India Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s Sanskritik Kendra in the premises of Mahalaxmi Jagdamba Temple in Koradi on July 5 at 5 pm. The event will mark the beginning of a unique exhibition complex aimed at promoting love for Indian culture and evoking spiritual and patriotic sentiments among the younger generation. The Sanskritik Kendra is a visionary project conceived by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Nagpur Kendra, under the leadership of Banwarilal Purohit, Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, who is also a Trustee and Vice-President of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mumbai. The event will be attended by Banwarilal Purohit, Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, Ramesh Bais, Governor of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde, Chief Minister, Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister and Chandrashekhar Bawankule, MLC, President of Mahalaxmi Jagdamba Temple.

The majestic structure of the Sanskritik Kendra boasts two floors, each spanning an impressive 14,760 square feet. The first floor, known as the ‘Ramayana Darshanam Hall,’ mesmerises visitors with 120 spectacular paintings depicting significant episodes from the Tulsi Ramayana and Valmiki Ramayana. The panels beautifully showcase the life of Lord Rama from his birth to his coronation and also highlight its influence in India and abroad. The intricate paintings, prepared on specially treated canvas with a two-coat painting medium for enhanced durability, are accompanied by artistically decorated ceilings, arches, Yalli Pillars, backlit panels and Shubha Drishti Ganapati. This visual extravaganza effectively captures the essence of the Ramayana and its diverse regional expressions in various languages and artistic mediums.

Moving to the second floor, the ‘Bharat Mata Sadanam’ aims to instill a deep sense of patriotism among visitors.

The hall features a bronze statue of Bharat Mata, accompanied by 115 paintings showcasing Indian Freedom Fighters from 1857 to 1947, along with 21 Param Vir Chakra Awardees. The hall vividly portrays the extraordinary courage, determination, and sacrifice displayed by these freedom fighters in their relentless pursuit of independence.

Fourteen additional paintings depict key events from India’s freedom struggle, with detailed descriptions provided in English, Hindi, and Marathi languages, complemented by mesmerizing light effects. Adding to the grandeur of the Sanskritik Kendra complex is a magnificent 20-foot granite statue of Veer Hanuman, along with divine sculptures depicting Dasha-Avatar, Ashta Lakshmi, Garuda, and Panch Mukhi Hanuman. These intricate sculptures, created by T Bhaskaradoss from Chennai, convey captivating stories that resonate with the viewers.

The entire structure of the Sanskritik Kendra is designed in line with temple architecture, with the vibrant interior paintings masterfully executed by T Bhaskaradoss from Chennai, while the exterior sculptures are skillfully crafted by Dr K Dakshinamoorthy (Sthapati) from Chennai. Following the inauguration, the Sanskritik Kendra will be open to the public starting from July 8. Visitors can explore the complex between 10 am and 5 pm daily, with entry tickets priced at Rs 30 per person. Online booking for tickets will be available on the official website, www.bhavanssk. com, starting from July 7. Manual ticket will also be available at the entry gate. The Kendra will remain closed every Monday of the week.