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THE UNESCO SURABHI INDIA HERITAGE SERIES
A Mega
Project of 104 Films
By SURABHI FOUNDATION in collaboration
with UNESCO
The India
Heritage Series is an important element in Surabhi
Foundation's vision of preserving India's rich heritage
through audio visual documentation. The series explores the
vibrant colors, the fascinating lifestyles and the priceless
treasures of our cultural and natural heritage.
Through
collaborations with prestigious organizations like UNESCO
India, sponsoring partners like ONGC, Coca Cola India Ltd.
SAIL, Min. of Envt. & Forests, Min. of Textiles, Tourism
Boards and telecast partners like the National Geographic
Channel Network, the Surabhi Foundation will be making 104
films (45 minutes in duration) over five years. This unique
model of Public - Private/Corporate Partnership, ensures that
our heritage in all its vibrant diversity is celebrated.
Through this
exciting filmed series, the youth of India have an opportunity
to connect with their cultural roots. All filmed material and
research will also become a part of the Living Heritage
Centre, Surabhi Foundation's cultural archive and museum on
Indian Heritage in Navi Mumbai, ensuring access to children,
the general public and scholars researching India and her
heritage.
Synopsis
of Films produced::
The Mighty Ahoms
For
600 years, they ruled over much of the northeast, brought
prosperity and molded modern day Assam. Yet the Mighty Ahom
Dynasty which even the great Mughals could not defeat has gone
largely unnoticed. Set in spectacularly beautiful Assam and
Arunachal Pradesh, this film brings alive the history of the
secular Ahoms and highlights their contributions to Assamese
culture. 'The Mighty Ahoms' highlight the Ahom's key
achievements and also takes viewers to meet the descendants of
this warrior tribe, many of whom still call Assam home.
Man vs.
Animal
From the dense jungles of Maharashtra and the
grasslands of Gujarat through the swamps of the Sundarbans
into the emerald fields and forests of Assam, 'Man vs Animal'
investigates man's relationship with his fellow creatures. The
film explores how the relationship between man and beast has
always seesawed between conflict and harmony and delves into
reasons why conflicts have been escalating, casualties
increasing. It also suggests solutions to the problem,
solutions that ensure the survival of man, beast and the
environment that sustains them both.
Souvenirs
in Metal
Examples of the glorious decorative metal
work of our country are replete throughout history. From the
lithe dancing girl of Mohenjodaro onwards, various metal
crafting traditions across our country have created objects of
breathtaking beauty. This film explores three such traditions
intricate dhokra work from Bastar, brass and copperware from
Assam and the Buddhist figurines of Sikkim. A product of
traditional techniques and excellent craftsmanship, the film
examines how these beautiful articles are made, their history
and the lifestyles of their creators.' Souvenirs in Metal'
documents our encounter with these exquisite metal artists and
brings alive this quaint world through their songs and
stories, passed over generations.
Painting
with Needles
Traditional Indian embroidery has firmly
become a part of the cityscape, manifesting itself not just as
an exotic art, but as an integral part of our daily lives. The
film takes us on a journey into to the villages where it was
born and from where it continues to add color, richness and
vibrancy to contemporary urban India. Mirror work from Kutch,
appliqué work from Rajasthan, phulkari from Punjab; each of
these embroideries made by local women is an expression of the
intrinsic and innate artistry in their lives.
A la Cart
- Food in Fast Lane
If the culture of a country can be
inferred through its food, then the Indian character must seem
a cacophony…a medley of spices, tastes and aromas. Yet on
first bite, the cacophony subsides, the melody begins…with
each flavor complimenting the other. And nowhere is India's
food more delicious than on its bustling streets…where real
India eats.
A manifestation of the colorful spirit and
energies of our country, street food reflects the very soul of
India. This film samples - and celebrates - the explosion of
flavours and foods that is Indian street fare.
Tribal
Wisdom - the story of Oraons
Nestled in the state of
Jharkhand, the life of the Oraons is marked by a deep sense of
belonging to the forest. This film explores the unmatched
knowledge of the jungles, the traditional healing methods, the
fast fading Kurukh language and other aspects of this central
Indian community.
Jaisalmer-
City of Gold
Considered India's only living fort,
'Sonar Quila' or the 'Golden Fort', as Jaisalmer was fondly
christened, stands firm amidst the shifting sands of time.
From the heroic valour of its Rajput rulers to the devotion of
its pious Jains, from meandering trade caravans to bustling
tourists today, this fort has indeed witnessed all! This film
documents the various transitions Jaisaler has undergone and
also highlights the architecture of this sandstone monument
and its unique and completely indigenous engineering, still
studied by students and architects worldwide.
Khajuraho
and Orchcha- Symphonies in stone
Forgotten for many
years till it was rediscovered by a nineteenth century British
soldier, the temples at Khajuraho bear witness to a much more
liberal past! This film explores the rationale behind the
eroticism of Khajuraho's beautiful sculptures before moving to
Orchcha's renowned paintings, pleasure palaces and temples. A
celebration of some of the most beautiful of Madhya Pradesh's
monuments, this film is a look into a time when art infused
life with meaning.
A legacy
called Pashmina
From the high fashion runways of
Paris, the Pashmina has always been the favourite of kings and
queens, movers and shakers. The film looks at the journey
pashmina makes to reach its patrons….from the nomadic tribes
of the high Himalayan Plateaus who herd the Pashmina goat and
collect its fleece to the valley of Kashmir where weavers work
wonders, making fine yarn into the legendary pashmina. This
film explores Pashmina shawl, not only as a niche product but
also as an art form. From its early presence in historical
courts to its present day status, the film strives to detail
the journey of Pashmina and its positioning in the
contemporary world.
Tribal
Wisdom : Agarias
One of the many indigenous tribes of
our country, Agarias, are known and studied world wide for
their traditional and practicing technique of iron smelting.
This film encompasses the world of metallurgy and highlights
the tribal wisdom of Agarias. Illustrated through the view
points of various experts, graphical representations and the
lifestyle of this tribe, this film explores a world of iron
penetrable and accessible to all.
Tales of
the Loom
India's tryst with textile dates back to the
harappan civilization. Over many empires and years, Indian
textiles have been repeatedly patronized, exported and
innovated upon. From the geometric weaves of ikkat to the
richness of benaras, this film illustrates the art form called
weaving. 'Tales of the Loom' explores this environment and the
creators, who meticulously and passionately evolve a thread
into a vibrant collage reflecting the intrinsic colors and
patterns of India.
Sponsorship
Opportunities:
The India Heritage Series has attracted
a variety of prestigious sponsors. Corporates like Coca Cola
India, Public Sector Organisations like ONGC and SAIL and
Government Departments like Min. of Envt. & Forests, Min.
of Textiles, Tourism Boards and various State Governments have
all become a part of this series to sponsor films that
celebrate aspects of Indian Heritage and culture that they
promote either through CSR activities or through govt.
programmes. In addition to promoting Indian heritage, sponsors
are also entitled to various branding opportunities through a
range of media. If you would like to be a part of this
exciting series and learn more about the various sponsorship
slabs and benefits, please drop a mail to Parul Sondh
(Executive Producer) at Parul@indiasurabhi.com
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