Metropolitan Museum of Art, MKG and Ikebana

2nd October 2010, Saturday evening the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York was witness to a synergy of Art, Truth and Peace. A tribute was being paid to a Simple man who caused nations to move with a weapon of Ahimsa – non violence.

October 2nd the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi – The International Day of Non Violence was a befitting day when an expression of Ikebana (the Japanese form of Flower arrangement) met the life of the Mahatma.

In a series of Ikebana arrangements that took inspiration from the book – MKG – Imaging Peace Truth and Ahimsa by Birad Rajaram Yajnik, the guests at the Patrons lounge at the Met were indulged with pages of the books juxtaposed with moments of truth.

The book, an expression of Art on the Simple man is a pictorial representation of the life and message of the Mahatma. A fine art book with over 200 images that runs a timeline covering major milestones which influenced his philosophy, political awakening and his concept of Ahimsa in a concise illustrative format.

With over 200 images on 325 pages printed on wood free paper with advanced reprographic techniques, hand bound in silk and titled with stainless steel, packaged in a pinewood case, each copy numbered and certified, it would be safe to say it’s the most exquisite book printed on the Mahatma till date.


The Ikebana arrangements expressed the key moments in Gandhi’s life were created by Seiryu Deepti Yajnik a 3rd term Masters from the Ohara school of Ikebana.

DANDI
The Dandi Salt March, showcasing the simplicity and originality of Gandhiji, through the medium of this simple freestyle Ikebana arrangement.

MATISBURG
This freestyle Ikebana arrangement based on the rimpa style is symbolic of Gandhiji’s initiation towards a political thought process. The black containers signify the train at Matisburg South Africa. The flower ‘Protea’ is a South African flower and the red ficus leaves signify the birth of a fiery political thought process.

SATYAGRAHA
When the Mahatma fasted the world held its breath, this was the power of Satyagraha. The white material signifies Gandhiji in a fast.

PEACE, TRUTH AND AHIMSA.
White flowers for Peace and Truth, Red flowers for Ahimsa signifying the three core principals of Mahatma Gandhi.

BAA AND BAPU
This Ikebana arrangement, Hana-Mai translates into “Dancing Flowers” which represent the harmony, support and strength provided by Baa – Kasturba to her husband – Gandhiji.

The audience was an eclectic mix of New York residents and invitees from parts of the US. Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri , Deputy permanent representative of the permanent mission of India to the UN, and the Indian Union minister for Power Shri Sushilkumar Shinde graced the occasion.

Earlier on Friday Afternoon in an exceptional ceremony, a special edition of the book – MKG – Imaging Peace Truth and Ahimsa was released by the President of the General Assemble of the United Nations. The release was marked with attendance from Ambassadors from over 50 nations and was the official UN event marking the International Day of non Violence.