The first international Buddhist festival just a day away and the key organiser Ms Aruna Vasudev is busy handling the details to the last minute. “There is so much to do,” she says.
Ms Vasudev, the founder president of Netpac (Network for Promotion of Asian Cinema), is organising the first international Buddhist festival, the Inner Path, in collaboration with the Devki Foundation trust run by Suresh Jindal.
A festival of this scale demands elaborate planning and execution. But a resourceful and passionate Ms Vasudev didn’t take long to get it all together. The idea germinated in February and the city is hosting its first-ever international Buddhist festival from April 27 to May 1. “I have been interested in Buddhism for a very long time. The idea of Buddhist festival was planted during a visit to Singapore which hosts two Buddhist film festivals annually,” she says.
She admits Buddhism has a special place in her heart. “I have done various festivals. I wouldn’t do a normal festival now. I am not interested. But Buddhism is something different. To do a festival on Buddhism that goes beyond the scope of films excites me very much,” she says with enthusiasm.
The show opens with Buddhist sacred dances and rituals from Sri Lanka and also includes photographer Benoy K. Behl’s exhibition on Buddhist art forms. An exhibition at Art Value and Asha’s Salon d’ Art will showcase contemporary Buddhist art.
A range of Buddhist documentaries, features and short films from Argentina, South Korea, Sri Lanka, China and Japan lends the festival a global, modern perspective.
The range of events and discourses on Buddhism are extensive. Talks on philosophy will familiarise people with select key concepts, art exhibitions for the deciphering mind, films and dance for the young and panel discussions to set the record straight on topics which many find hard to grasp.
Ms Vasudev has tried to create a welcoming atmosphere for people from all walks of life. At the venue you can expect to sit, have tea, hold discussions, listen to talks and watch films.
She says that such festivals will help explore basic tenets of Buddhism. “India needs to rediscover the religion that originated here, this festival is only the beginning. Buddhism is making a comeback and people are feeling the need to know more about it. It is a fine chance for people to explore Buddhism more,” says Ms Vasudev.