General Awareness

ART AND CULTURE - November 2024

Nov 2024

Mar 05, 2026

First Gandhi Bust in Montana – March 4, 2026

The first Mahatma Gandhi bust in Montana was unveiled on 4 March 2026 at the Mike Mansfield Center, University of Montana, Missoula. The unveiling ceremony featured prominent officials from Montana and India, reflecting sustained cultural diplomacy between the two nations. Presented by the Government of India, the bust underscores India's soft power and the importance of educational and cultural exchanges. The event coincided with broader India-US cultural dialogues and appreciation of Gandhi’s legacy in promoting peace and non-violence across continents.

Gandhi bust unveiled in Montana on 4 March 2026
Mike Mansfield Center, University of Montana venue
Ceremony marked by Montana and Indian officials
Bust presented by Government of India
Cultural diplomacy and Gandhi’s legacy highlighted

Oxford to Return Tirumankai Alvar Bronze to Tamil Nadu

An Indian cultural artefact, a 16th-century bronze statue of Saint Tirumankai Alvar, will be returned to India by the Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford. The 57.5-centimetre sculpture was originally from a Tamil Nadu temple and has been in Oxford's collection since 1967. Research indicates the piece was removed from a southern Indian temple, part of broader repatriation efforts worldwide. Tirumankai Alvar is one of the twelve Alvar saints revered in Vaishnavism, whose hymns helped shape the Bhakti movement in South India. The return illustrates increasing international cooperation to address artefacts taken during colonial periods. The statue is expected to be installed in a suitable temple or museum setting in Tamil Nadu.

16th-century Tirumankai Alvar bronze statue to be returned to India
57.5 cm tall; originally from a Tamil Nadu temple; in Oxford since 1967
Research links the artefact to a southern Indian temple
Alvar saints revered in Vaishnavism; tied to Bhakti movement
Part of ongoing global repatriation of artefacts
Potential placement in Tamil Nadu temple or museum

Montana Unveils Mahatma Gandhi Bust at Mike Mansfield Center

Montana state unveiled its first Mahatma Gandhi bust at the Mike Mansfield Center, University of Montana, Missoula, on 4 March 2026. The ceremony was led by Montana Governor Greg Gianforte and India’s Consul General in Seattle, Prakash Gupta. The bust, a gift from the Government of India, highlights cultural diplomacy between India and the United States. Attendees discussed Gandhi’s philosophy of peace and non-violence as a global legacy. The event reflects India’s soft power through culture and education and reinforces people-to-people ties with the United States.

Gandhi bust unveiled at Mike Mansfield Center, Missoula (4 March 2026)
Governor Gianforte and India’s Consul General Prakash Gupta attended
Gift from the Government of India; symbol of cultural diplomacy
Gandhi’s peace and non-violence philosophy highlighted
Strengthens India-US cultural and educational ties

Mar 02, 2026

12th‑century Yadava pillar fragments found near Wardha settle cultural significance

Archaeologists reported fragments of a 12th century Mandir style pillar near the Vena River in Hinganghat, Wardha district, Maharashtra, about 70 kilometres from Nagpur. Identified by idol researcher Panchsheel Thul during a study of riverbank mandir sites, the pieces show intricate carvings linked to the Seuna or Yadava dynasty. Researchers suggest the pillar could be part of a sabhamandap or a front of a garbhagriha, with another fragment possibly the pedestal of a main pillar. The find underscores Wardha’s medieval temple architecture and could prompt further excavations to map a larger temple complex in the area.

Pillar fragments found near the Vena River, Wardha
Date-claimed attribution to 12th century Yadava dynasty
Intricate Mandir style carvings observed
Possible sabhamandap or garbhagriha pedestal remains
Indicates a potentially larger temple complex nearby

Jammu University to host Goonj 2026 youth festival; chancellor to inaugurate

The University of Jammu announced Goonj 2026, its flagship multi-genre youth festival to be held over two days. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who serves as Chancellor, will inaugurate the event. Launched in 2024, Goonj aims to promote holistic student development, leadership and teamwork beyond academics. The festival celebrates creativity across arts, music, theatre and sports and fosters collaboration among university communities to showcase talent and institutional spirit. Organisers emphasise youth engagement, mentorship and the opportunity for students to explore talents beyond the curriculum.

Goonj 2026 announced by University of Jammu
Two-day youth festival; inauguration by LG Manoj Sinha
Launched in 2024; focuses on holistic development
Themes across arts, music, theatre, sports
Promotes collaboration and leadership among students

Zapotec Owl Tomb uncovered in Oaxaca reveals 1,400-year-old burial practices

Archaeologists in southern Mexico uncovered a remarkably preserved tomb dating to around AD 600 in San Pablo Huitzo, Oaxaca. The tomb belongs to the Zapotec civilisation, also called the ‘Cloud People,’ and offers unprecedented insights into Indigenous funerary rites and social organisation from nearly 1,400 years ago. Discovered in 2025 during investigations into looting, the burial site complements existing knowledge of Zapotec culture and its regional development in the Oaxaca Valley. The find highlights the long history of complex societies in Mesoamerica and their enduring heritage within modern Indigenous communities.

Discovery: Zapotec tomb in San Pablo Huitzo, Oaxaca
Dating: around AD 600, ~1,400 years old
Civilisation: Zapotec (Cloud People)
Found during 2025 looting investigations
Significance: insight into funerary practices and social structure

Feb 26, 2026

North East Spring Festival 2026 begins in Dimapur

Dimapur in Nagaland hosts the three‑day North East Spring Festival 2026, also known as the Festival of the North East, at the NEZCC Complex. The event, organized by the North East Zone Cultural Centre in collaboration with SCZCC Nagpur, showcases folk and tribal arts from across the region. It runs parallel with the Madh‑Dakshini Festival, promoting cultural exchange and national integration. The festival features performances by traditional artistes, crafts showcases, and culinary displays, highlighting the vibrant heritage of India’s northeast. (Source: NEZCC announcements)

Three‑day North East Spring Festival starts in Dimapur
Showcases regional folk and tribal arts
Festival runs with Madh‑Dakshini Festival 2026
Aims to strengthen cultural exchange and integration

Feb 22, 2026

Shankar Passes Away at 92; Bengali Literary Icon

Mani Shankar Mukhopadhyay, popularly known as Shankar, died at the age of 92 near Kolkata. A towering figure in Bengali literature, he authored nearly 100 novels and short stories. His works explored urban India's moral dilemmas, ambitions, and social change, influencing generations of readers and writers. Leaders across political lines offered condolences, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who called the loss irreparable for Bengal's cultural world. Shankar's prolific output and distinctive voice established him as a literary giant whose writing continues to shape contemporary cultural discourse in the region.

Shankar (Mani Shankar Mukhopadhyay) died at 92 near Kolkata
Prominent Bengali author with ~100 novels and stories
Writings explored urban India's moral and social issues
Condolences from leaders; Mamata Banerjee called it irreparable
Long-lasting impact on Bengali literature and culture

Feb 21, 2026

Dibrugarh University International Literature Festival to hold 3rd Edition, 18–21 February 2026

Dibrugarh University in Assam will host the 3rd Edition of the Dibrugarh University International Literature Festival (DUILF) from 18 to 21 February 2026. The four-day event, organized with the Foundation for Culture, Arts and Literature (FOCAL) of Guwahati, aims to celebrate literature, ideas and cultural dialogue. The festival will spotlight literature from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) under the theme Words Will Weave Worlds, highlighting cross-cultural conversations and Northeast India’s rich oral heritage. Participants include writers, scholars and artists from multiple countries, and the event seeks to elevate India’s presence on the global literary map.

DUILF 3rd Edition from 18–21 February 2026
Hosted by Dibrugarh University, Assam
FOCAL partnering organization from Guwahati
Theme centers on MENA region literature
Focus on cross-cultural dialogue and Northeast heritage
Aims to strengthen India's global literary profile

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