Rare Sikh artworks donated to Canada's Montreal museum
Darpan News Desk IANS, 22 Jun, 2022 10:15 AM
Toronto, June 22 (IANS) Canada's Montreal Museum of Fine Arts has opened a permanent exhibit of a rare collection of historic Sikh artworks.
The artworks have been donated by Indo-Canadian businessman Baljit Chadha and the late Indian-American scientist Dr Narinder Singh Kapany, who was honoured by India last year with the Padma Vibhushan for his pioneering work on fibre optics.
The collection includes depictions of the ten Sikh gurus, the famous Maharajas of the Sikh Empire (1799-1849), ritual objects, rare minted Nanakshahi coins and poignant publications on the Sikhs during the British Raj. Phulkari shawls highlighting the importance of Punjabi textile tradition are also part of the collection.
Describing it as one of the largest collections of artworks in North America, the museum said it "mirrors the core values and contributions of the Sikh people numbering approximately 27 million worldwide".
"We are privileged to have the opportunity, for the first time in the museum's long history, to acquire and showcase a collection of Sikh art of such magnitude. The generosity and foresight of Narinder Singh Kapany, Baljit Singh Chadha and Roshi Chadha have made it possible for the museum to expand its audience, nurture new perspectives and welcome new voices, so that we may represent the plurality of today's society," said museum director Stephane Aquin.
"We are proud to bring this collection of Sikh art to the museum and, by extension, the community in Montreal and beyond. It will be the first permanent exhibit of Sikh art in a major Canadian museum," added donor Baljit Chadha.
The museum plans to organise various activities on Sikh culture and the Sikh diasporic experience throughout the year.
Colour therapy has been used for health and wellness since ancient Egyptian times. Furthermore, light can be processed and perceived as colours by the eyes and brain. Nakshi Satra, Founder, In:ha Wellness explains further how colour therapy act as a mood booster and how colour therapy could help improve overall health.
DARPAN's social media host Ish Sharma sat down with Pip Dhaliwal Founder and CEO of Freedom Capital. Here is what he had to say about getting help from alternative banking when the traditional banking systems is adding to the red tape for investing in real estate.
Hemp seeds have been used as a food source for thousands of years, according to history. Hemp was a major source of protein, fibre, and medicine in the Mediterranean, Egypt, and Morocco for several centuries B.C., according to documents.
To keep these stories alive, the onus falls on our community to spark such conversations in the public sphere, stemming from our children. Taking on this leadership role, Steeven Toor has recently authored children’s book, Dosti, portraying the India-Pakistan partition.
While we plan to welcome Goddess Lakshmi by cleaning and decorating our living spaces inside out, we should be aware of those corners that are prone to infections, diseases and require our special attention. The R&D team at ITC Savlon, shares some tips to maximize hygiene and ensure germ-free cleaning this Diwali.
Unfortunately, there's a general lack of knowledge and a bundle of myths that surround blood donation and blood transfusion in pets. It's time we increase awareness and educate the entire ecosystem from the grassroot level, so we can save lives."
