Self-Awareness Is Not Merely Knowledge, but Experience – Dr. Bhagesh Vasudev Jha

The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), through its Kala Nidhi Division, organised the Dr Kapila Vatsyayan Memorial Lecture titled “Aatmbodh se Vishvabodh” (From Self-Realisation to Universal Awareness) on 29 December 2025 at the Samvet Auditorium, IGNCA.

Event Context
- Organised by Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Kala Nidhi Division.
- Part of the Dr Kapila Vatsyayan Memorial Lecture series, honouring the eminent scholar of Indian art and culture.
- Chaired by Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, President of IGNCA Trust.
- Accompanied by the exhibition “Abhivyakti: Expressions of the Loom”, showcasing textiles from Dr Kapila Vatsyayan’s personal collection.

Key Themes from Dr. Jha’s Lecture
- Identity Crisis: He described the contemporary global crisis as fundamentally an identity crisis, citing conflicts like Israel–Hamas and Russia–Ukraine.
- Indian Thought vs. Modern Ideologies: Modern ideologies are time-bound, while Indian philosophy is enduring.
- Self-Awareness: True self-awareness is not just intellectual knowledge but a lived experience.
- Spiritual Anchors:
- Bhagavad Gita’s “Aham Brahmasmi” and Upanishads’ “Tat Tvam Asi” liberate individuals from ego, fear, and jealousy.
- Shankaracharya’s Sadhana Chatushtaya (discernment, detachment, virtues, aspiration for liberation) as a systematic path to self-realisation.
- Moksha: Defined as freedom from fear, ego, and attachment—not merely salvation.
- Witness Attitude: Observing oneself marks the beginning of self-awareness.
- Universal Vision: “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah” (May all be happy) reflects India’s benevolent worldview.
- Nature Reverence: Rivers, Earth, and environment are seen as sacred, embodying India’s contribution to global harmony.

Exhibition Highlights
- Curated by Sareekah Agarwaal, featuring textiles from Dr Kapila Vatsyayan’s collection.
- Textiles presented as carriers of memory, cultural continuity, and lived experience.
- Open until 7 January 2026 at IGNCA’s Darshanam Galleries.

Takeaway
Dr. Jha’s central message: Self-awareness is experiential, not just intellectual. By moving from Aatmbodh (self-realisation) to Vishvabodh (universal awareness), India offers a path to address today’s global challenges.