THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, DELHI

President, Arpana Trust, Mr. Harishwar Dayal
Member, Governing Board, Arpana Trust,       

Dr. Rahul Gupta
Distinguished guests
Friends from the media
Ladies and Gentlemen

It is a pleasure to be here for the stage presentation of the Ken Upanishad, a text that has, over centuries, remained central to India’s philosophy and spiritual tradition.
The Ken Upanishad, as many of you are aware, is among the principal Upanishad texts, associated with the Sama Veda. Its inquiry is, both simple and profound. It asks a fundamental question: what is the source of thought, perception, and action? In doing so, it shifts the focus, from external reality, to inner awareness.

As the text reminds us, “That which is the ear, of the ear, the mind of the mind, the speech of speech—know That alone, to be Brahman.” In essence, it points to a deeper underlying reality, that enables all human faculties, encouraging reflection, not merely on, what we perceive, but on the source, from which perception, itself arises.
This question remains relevant, even today. In a world, that is increasingly shaped, by speed, information, and material advancement, there is also a growing need, for reflection and balance. Texts, such as the Ken Upanishad, offer a framework, for such reflection. They do not prescribe, answers; rather, they encourage inquiry.
What makes today’s presentation, particularly significant, is the effort to interpret, and communicate these ideas, through the medium, of performing arts.
Classical dance, music, and narrative, have long been integral, to India’s cultural expression. They provide a way, to engage with complex philosophical ideas, in a form that is accessible, experiential, and reflective.
Such interpretations allow, traditional knowledge systems, to connect, with contemporary audiences, especially younger generations, in a manner that is both, meaningful and engaging.

I would like to take this opportunity, to acknowledge the efforts, of Arpana Trust, in bringing this production, to life. Since its establishment in 1962, Arpana Trust, has been engaged, in a range of activities, that combine spiritual reflection, with social outreach.
Initiatives such as, educational support for children, in underprivileged communities, including those in areas, like Molarband in Delhi, are important examples, of this approach. They contribute, not only to learning outcomes, but also to expanding opportunity, and building confidence, among young individuals.
Similarly, healthcare initiatives, and community engagement programmes, reflect an understanding, that development is, multidimensional, and requires sustained engagement, at the grassroots level.
From a broader perspective, initiatives of this nature, also contribute to preserving, and promoting India’s cultural, and intellectual heritage.

India’s civilisational legacy, is not only reflected, in its texts, but also in the ways, in which these ideas, are interpreted, practiced, and transmitted, across generations. Cultural presentations, such as this, play an important role, in that process.

They ensure that traditional knowledge systems, remain part of public discourse, while also adapting, to changing contexts.

At a society level, such engagements also, serve a larger purpose. They create spaces, for reflection, dialogue, and shared experience.

In doing so, they contribute to strengthening, social cohesion and reinforcing values, such as empathy, balance, and responsibility.

For the artists, involved in this production, such work represents, not only creative expression, but also interpretation. It requires engaging deeply, with the philosophy content, and presenting it in a form, that resonates, with the audience.

For the audience, it offers an opportunity, to engage with these ideas, in a manner that goes beyond, the written word.

The presentation of the Ken Upanishad, this evening, is both a cultural and intellectual effort. It reflects the continuing relevance, of India’s philosophy traditions, and the importance of presenting them, in ways that are, accessible and engaging.

I would like to commend, Arpana Trust, the artistic team, and all those involved, in this production, for their efforts.
I wish you all, an enriching, and meaningful experience.
Thank you.