Walking Through Civilizations: Students Discover the Spirit of One World, One Family at the World Culture Exhibition
Students from schools and colleges across Bangalore Urban, Bangalore Rural, and Chikkaballapur districts enthusiastically visited the One World One Family – World Culture Exhibition held from 3rd to 15th November at Sathya Sai Grama, Muddenahalli. The exhibition offered a vibrant, immersive, and visually compelling platform for young minds to explore the world’s cultural, spiritual, and mythological heritage under one roof.
Celebrating a Centenary with a Global Message
Organised as part of the centenary celebrations of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, and blessed by the august presence of Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, the World Culture Exhibition was conceived and curated with the support of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi.
Anchored in the ancient wisdom of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — “The world is one family” — the exhibition brought together diverse cultures, philosophies, and creation narratives that highlight humanity’s shared spiritual roots. It beautifully blended art, sculpture, colour, mythology, and tradition into a single, harmonised tapestry of global heritage.
The exhibition invited visitors on a sweeping journey through time, beginning with the origin of the cosmos — from chaos to order, moving through creation stories from different civilizations, and culminating in the timeless truths preserved in scriptures and spiritual traditions across the world.
Inauguration and Participation
The exhibition was graciously inaugurated by Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, a globally recognised humanitarian and spiritual teacher who actively promotes the ideals of unity, service, and global harmony.
For many students, this was not just an informative exploration—it was a transformative journey that allowed them to experience echoes of ancient history through contemporary interpretations.
A Journey Through Global Civilizations
The exhibition showcased an extraordinary collection of artefacts, illustrations, manuscripts, and knowledge displays representing ancient traditions, spiritual symbolism, and creation narratives from across the world. Students were captivated by the spectrum of themes presented.
Mythological & Creation Narratives
- Samudra Manthan – The Churning of the Ocean (India)
- Roman Creation Story
- Creation of the Islands of Japan
- Orphic Egg – Ancient Greek creation myth
- Kunapipi – Mother Goddess of Northern Australia
Symbolism, Spirituality & Sacred Geometry
- Significance of the Gayathri Mantra (India)
- Sri Yantra – Ritual and symbolic importance
- Ottoman Lotus of Spiritual Awakening (Turkey)
- The Wheel of Dharma – Symbol of the path (India)
- Sacred Tree of Life – Neo-Assyrian tradition
- Zuni Sunface – Plains Tribes, North America
Ancient Civilizations & World Heritage Sites
- The Sun Crow and the Emperor – Ancient China
- Toda-ji Temple – Great Buddha of Nara, Japan
- Angkor Wat – Cosmic Temple of Cambodia
- Uluru – The Living Rock, Australia
- Nazca Lines – Andean Mountain Pilgrimage, Peru
- Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove – Yoruba Spiritual Heartland, Nigeria
- Old Carvings of Hindu Gods & Goddesses
- Paintings of Varanasi (Kashi) – The Eternal City, India
- Bodh Gaya – Place of Enlightenment, India
- Mount Laojun – Sacred Peak of Lord Lao, China
Global Pilgrimage Sites
- Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela – The Journey’s End (Spain)
- Lourdes – The Waters of Faith (France)
- The Wailing Wall – Testament of Faith (Jerusalem)
- Golden Temple – Light of Devotion, Amritsar
- St. Peter’s Basilica – Heart of Catholic Pilgrimage (Vatican City)
- The Porziuncola – Divine Grace, Assisi (Italy)
- The Kaaba – Axis of Devotion, Mecca
Manuscripts & Holy Books
The exhibition also featured revered manuscripts including:
- The Bible
- The Dhammapada
- The Quran
…and several other sacred texts from global traditions.
A Unique Cultural Learning Experience
Through stories, symbols, sacred sites, and ancient philosophies spanning continents and civilizations, the exhibition sparked deep curiosity and admiration in students. It enabled them to appreciate the interconnectedness of world cultures and reflect on shared human values such as unity, harmony, truth, devotion, and universal brotherhood.
The students’ enthusiasm and heartfelt engagement reflected the exhibition’s success in promoting the message of “One World, One Family.” Many expressed profound gratitude for the enriching experience, making the visit to Sathya Sai Grama, Muddenahalli, both memorable and meaningful.
