One-Week International Interdisciplinary Conference Taana-Baana 13-19 April 2025
RKMV in collaboration with Mahasu Art Society Shimla organised a One-Week International Interdisciplinary Conference-cum workshop ‘Taana-Baana, Sanskriti Ke Rangon Ka’(‘ताना बाना’) sponsored by Himachal Tourism, Toy Train and Bhaasha Sanskriti Vibhag, from 13-19 April 2025. The event was in consonance with the MOU between RKMV and Mahasu Art Society Shimla. This 7-day extravaganza at Dhanku Kala Bhawan, Jaitola, Jubbal, Shimla, brought together 39 talented artists from India, Nepal, and SriLanka.
Mr. Vishi Ravikanth Dharmasiriwardena, a renowned wildlife artist from Sri Lanka, was the Chief Guest on the inaugural day. Apart from the confluence of ideas and artists, from India and abroad on each day, the tana bana of different traditions and cultures was interweaved so beautifully that the participants and artists could have a surreal yet engrossing experiential learning experience. During the workshop the artists ventured to Hatkoti Temple for plein air paintings, enjoyed trekking and even participated in a fashion show which reflected the different shades of our culture and traditions.
Dr. Anurita Saxena, Principal of RKMV Shimla and also the Patron of the Conference-cum-workshop was the Chief Guest of the cultural fashion show. She was accompanied by Mr. Anil Lakhanpal as the Guest of Honor. The cultural fashion show featured artists and locals from Jubbal and beyond. Several professors from RKMV Shimla, including Dr. Bhader Singh, the organizing secretary, along with students from the college also participated in the event.
The conference examined the confluence of art, culture, history, economy and science in shaping societal development especially in the midst of environmental decline and erosion of cultural tradition. The conference while bridging academia and lived cultural experiences explored indigenous knowledge systems, historical narratives and socio-cultural transformations , all through hands-on exposure to artistic styles and experiential learning.
Mr. Vishi Ravikanth Dharmasiriwardena, a renowned wildlife artist from Sri Lanka, was the Chief Guest on the inaugural day. Apart from the confluence of ideas and artists, from India and abroad on each day, the tana bana of different traditions and cultures was interweaved so beautifully that the participants and artists could have a surreal yet engrossing experiential learning experience. During the workshop the artists ventured to Hatkoti Temple for plein air paintings, enjoyed trekking and even participated in a fashion show which reflected the different shades of our culture and traditions.
Dr. Anurita Saxena, Principal of RKMV Shimla and also the Patron of the Conference-cum-workshop was the Chief Guest of the cultural fashion show. She was accompanied by Mr. Anil Lakhanpal as the Guest of Honor. The cultural fashion show featured artists and locals from Jubbal and beyond. Several professors from RKMV Shimla, including Dr. Bhader Singh, the organizing secretary, along with students from the college also participated in the event.
The conference examined the confluence of art, culture, history, economy and science in shaping societal development especially in the midst of environmental decline and erosion of cultural tradition. The conference while bridging academia and lived cultural experiences explored indigenous knowledge systems, historical narratives and socio-cultural transformations , all through hands-on exposure to artistic styles and experiential learning.
