Exhibition on Mother Teresa opens in Delhi

A week-long exhibition on the life of Mother Teresa was opened in the capital on Tuesday.

The event was inaugurated by former Chief Election Commissioner of India Navin Chawla. It was jointly organised by art.i, an initiative of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) in cooperation with Hungarian Information and Cultural Centre, New Delhi.

The weeklong event also includes film sessions on Mother Teresa by renowned film makers. The inaugural programme included screening of the film 'In the Name of God's Poor' directed by Kevin Connor.

Titled 'Mother Teresa - Communicator of Compassion', the exhibition showcases 35 paintings done by several artists from across the country.

The paintings provide a glimpse into Mother's mission of compassion for all people, especially the poor. The artists include veterans like Alphonso Arul Doss; M Sooriamoorthy; Francis Kodenkandath; Sam Adaikalasamy; Augustine Annadurai; among others.

Speaking of Mother's universal appeal, Chawla said the Missionaries of Charity founder saw God in every abandoned person. Chawla recalled how Mother had chosen the now famous blue sari for her and for the sisters - which then was the cheapest clothing costing only a rupee, and was the uniform of Kolkata's municipal sweepers.

Archbishop Vincent M Concessao of New Delhi released a booklet titled Unum Cor which features articles on art, the paintings of the exhibition and a brief bio-data of the artists.

Commenting on the paintings, the Archbishop said they richly reflect the inner anguish Mother Teresa experienced. Dr Tibor Kovacs, the Director, Hungarian Cultural Centre, highlighted the deep-rooted Indo-Hungarian cultural links.

Rev Dr Paul Kattukaran, the national coordinator and secretary of art.i said the Church is committed to promote art and artists of all faiths who uphold universal values of Christ.

art.i was established by the CBCI Office for Social Communications in 2010. The forum brings together artists of all faiths to promote initiatives to foster greater collaboration and professional support.