In a world dominated by discussions of diplomacy, sustainability, and climate action, the significance of art, culture, and history often takes a backseat. However, a conversation between Akanksha Tyagi and Charukeshi Mathur sheds light on how these elements play a pivotal role in shaping a more inclusive society.
Charukeshi Mathur, who recently coordinated the Culture Corridor alongside the G20 Summit, shares her insights on the transformative power of art, culture, and history. The Culture Corridor was an international collaborative exhibition aimed at celebrating and representing the shared cultural heritage of G20 member countries.
Mathur’s experience in coordinating this ambitious project emphasized the importance of cultural exchange on a global scale. Notably, iconic artworks like the digital Mona Lisa from the Louvre and the Girl with a Pearl Earring from the Netherlands were showcased. These milestones highlighted the potential of art and culture to bridge divides and foster unity.
In a world where global diplomacy often faces challenges and frictions, Mathur shared a heartwarming anecdote from her experience. The G20 Orchestra, featuring artists from various countries, demonstrated how art and culture can bring people together, transcending diplomatic issues. As she rightly put it, “While others might divide, culture unites.”
The conversation then delved into the critical role of art, culture, and history in promoting inclusivity. Mathur emphasized that these elements are evolving, with a growing focus on recognizing and preserving diverse narratives and traditions. She recounted an inspiring incident during her G20 journey when she discovered a thriving community of Lambani people in Karnataka, India, known for their historic embroidery tradition. By organizing a Guinness record-setting display of Lambani items, Mathur and her team not only showcased their rich culture but also empowered these women, reinforcing the idea that inclusivity begins at the grassroots level.
Mathur’s insights underline the immense potential of art, culture, and history to create a more inclusive society. These narratives hold the power to bring people together, promote understanding, and bridge divides that politics or other factors may create.
Switching gears to education, Mathur and Tyagi discussed the waning interest in liberal arts, particularly history, among the younger generation. Mathur emphasized the need to make learning more engaging and relatable. Educators should encourage students to connect with history on a personal level, asking questions about how historical events and figures relate to their lives today. This approach helps students see history as more than just a theoretical subject.
Furthermore, Mathur believes that businesses and organizations can play a significant role in promoting the arts. Hosting workshops, supporting art initiatives, and fostering creativity can help rekindle interest in liberal arts and culture among young individuals.
In closing, Charukeshi Mathur offered valuable advice to students aspiring to study history and the arts. She stressed the importance of feeling and experiencing art rather than merely analyzing it. Art should evoke emotions and be a means of personal expression. Additionally, Mathur encouraged students to be opinionated and confident in expressing their views, as the subjectivity of art and culture allows for diverse perspectives.
The conversation between Akanksha Tyagi and Charukeshi Mathur serves as a powerful reminder of the role that art, culture, and history play in shaping an inclusive society. By embracing these elements and encouraging others to do the same, we can enrich our lives and foster a more harmonious and united world. As Mathur aptly puts it, “A society that doesn’t let art, culture, and the understanding of history seep into it is a society that is crippled.”