Ram Lalla Sculptor, Arun Yogiraj, Inspires Dutch Hindu Community in the Netherlands!

Ram Lalla Sculptor, Arun Yogiraj, Inspires Dutch Hindu Community in the Netherlands!

29 October 2024

Released by Damroo Foundation International (DFI)

A surge of spiritual energy and artistic creativity recently enveloped in the Netherlands with the arrival of Arun Yogiraj, the esteemed sculptor responsible for the Balak Ram idol (Ram Lalla) that adorns the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram. Once a magnificent palace belonging to the Crown Prince and subsequently a Hindu temple, it was tragically destroyed by the Mughals during their invasion of India in 1526. Following the destruction, a mosque was erected using the remnants of this sacred site, further obscuring the history of the glorious palace and the birthplace of a pivotal figure in Indian history and Hindu mythology. After years of legal disputes, the High Court of India ultimately ruled for the Mosque to be relocated and for the original site to be restored. This marked a significant triumph in Indian history, sparking immense joy among Lord Ram's devotees, who began to celebrate the return of their Deity and the rebuilding of His palace. Shortly thereafter, a competition was held to select the finest sculptures for the Palace Temple, with Yogiraj emerging as the winner, showcasing the exceptional skills that have been passed down through his family for at least five generations.

The sculptor's visit was more than just an appreciation of his artistic brilliance; it was a celebration of cultural heritage, spiritual ties, community building, and the triumph of reclaiming sacred ground, restoring what rightfully belongs to India—a place that evokes profound emotions in the hearts of nearly all Hindus.

On October 29th, the event Meet and Greet with Arun Yogiraj, hosted by filmmaker Lalit Bhusal Sharma, brought together a diverse audience eager to learn from the master sculptor. Organised by Damroo Foundation International (DFI) and Lord Shiva Hindu Temples as the main sponsor, the event was a resounding success. The event commenced with an impacting Vedic ceremony where several chanting priests were accompanying Yogiraj while he made his entrance. After the ceremony an oil lamp was lit for the Diwali celebration that was the theme of the evening. The event was attended by representatives from various Hindu and spiritual organisations, demonstrating widespread support for Yogiraj and his work.

Shivam Bhoendie, the newly appointed Chairman of the Hindu Council of Netherlands, the official government body for hindoes in the Netherlands, endorsed the event, highlighting its significance in promoting cultural understanding and appreciation. www.hindoeraad.org

Avi Sharma, the founder of the Lord Shiva Hindu Temples in Amsterdam, expressed his admiration for Yogiraj, stating, "He is as famous as a celebrity, yet so down to earth. Thank you for accepting our offer to come to the Netherlands and celebrate Diwali with us."

Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, the program featured captivating music and dance performances by various artists.

These cultural showcases beautifully illustrated the richness and diversity of Indian culture and tradition. The core of the program was an engaging and interactive Q&A session. Yogiraj shared valuable insights into his creative journey, the challenges of sculpting such a sacred idol, and the deep spiritual experiences that accompanied his work, ultimately leading to winning the sculpting competition.

He emphasised the importance of Vedic traditions in his craft and the Shilpa Shastra principles, a scripture dedicated to sculpting sacred idols, highlighting the deep connection between art and spirituality.

The program concluded with a Vedic blessing ceremony by the guest of honour, followed by a photo opportunity with the star of the evening. The audience left the hall enchanted with Yogiraj's Vedic insights, teachings and humble personality. The DFI board, with Amrita Tewari as chairman and board members Sandra Bharadwaj and Lalit Bhusal Sharma, lauded Yogiraj's dedication to preserving Sanatan Dharma through his art. He drew parallels with the Surinamese Hindu community, which has managed to preserve their cultural heritage for generations, despite the great distance from India.

Looking Ahead: Authentic North Indian Architecture as a Landmark

Exciting news was shared about Yogiraj's future involvement with DFI. He will be contributing to the creation of a landmark Community Center with a Temple, designed to serve both Hindu and non-Hindu communities in Europe. This ambitious project aims to provide a welcoming space for cultural exchange, spiritual growth, and community building.

Before heading back to India after his short trip to the Netherlands, Yogiraj took some time to explore Amsterdam. As an avid cyclist, he was especially impressed by the city's underground bicycle parking facilities, reflecting Amsterdam's dedication to sustainability. Upon his return to India, Yogiraj had the honour of receiving the prestigious Karnataka Rajyotsava Award from the Karnataka government on November 1st. This award is the second-highest civilian honor in the state of Karnataka, India, and for the first time in history, it was bestowed upon a much younger recipient than usual, to a well deserving Arun Yogiraj.

The Meet and Greet with Arun Yogiraj was more than just an event; it was a testament to the power of art, spirituality, and community. Yogiraj's visit left a lasting impression on the Dutch Hindu community, inspiring them to connect with their cultural heritage and contribute to its growth in their adopted homeland.

Relive the Experience

To see the full program video and immerse yourself in the cultural extravaganza, visit the DFI YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@DamrooFoundationInternational

For a glimpse of the event's highlights, browse through the photo album on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/552022473866251/

or simply visit the website.

About Damroo Foundation International (DFI)

DFI is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting Indian culture and heritage in the Netherlands and worldwide. They organise events, workshops, and cultural programs to foster community engagement and understanding, with the Vedic philosophy and Sanathan Dharma as its core. For the Cultural & Spiritual Centre, DFI is currently having meetings with investors, and soon they will start their fundraising campaign. To support this mission or if you have any queries regarding this project, please contact them via www.damroo.eu or email office@damroo.eu. Donations to the project are embraced, you can donate via their website and easily contribute this way to this noble project.

The event was sponsored by:

Lord Shiva Hindu Temples in Amsterdam: a vibrant spiritual center serving the Hindu community in Amsterdam. The temple offers daily prayers, religious ceremonies, and cultural activities, providing a space for devotion and community gathering. www.shivatemple.nl

Other supporting organisations and sponsors

Oasis Party Centre: www.dslgroup.co.in

My Name Is Climate Foundation: www.mynameisclimate.com

Balaji Mandir of Netherlands: www.sribalajitemple-eu.org

Sandrakha: www.sandraksha.com

Punjabi Media/ Photo & Videography : www.jammu.nl

Fast Print/ Banner and Poster Printing service: www.fast-print.nl

NILO Audio/ Live event professional audio service : www.nilo-audio.nl

Released by Damroo Foundation International (DFI Communication) www.damroo.eu

Meet & Greet Shri Arun Yogiraj Ji - 29th October 2024

It was well organized and full house. Congratulations.

Etienn P.

Meanwhile my compliments for the great event you organized together with Lalit ji. Keep it up we all need to bring a sort of awakening within the Hindu community. God bless you 🙏🏻

Davender K.

Dear Amrita ji,

It was our good luck to be a part of the beautiful program. Thank you for the warm hospitality.

From next time, it would be better to focus more on the guest and his inspiring story.

We were enriched by his story and we came home feeling very inspired. To think that we met someone who was chosen by God to sculpt His murti after 500 years is itself like meeting God to me. I'm overwhelmed and so are our friends.

Kind Regards,

Chaitali

Dank voor jullie inzet en het verzorgen van de mooie avond! Groet.

Anil P.