New Acropolis Mumbai marked the Day of the Arts on 21 June 2025 with a special celebration exploring the human search for meaning through Tribal, Folk, and Classical Arts. The event, attended by over 150 people, was part of a global initiative by New Acropolis across 50+ countries, themed “Towards Unity through Diversity.”
The evening featured conversations and performances that reflected on the philosophical depth within the arts. National Director Yaron Barzilay inaugurated the new premises of the School of Philosophy and Cultural Centre at Ballard Estate. It was also a moment to express gratitude to those who contributed towards the making of the new centre for their gracious contributions , mainly
Framjee Cawasjee Institute,
Jefferies India Private Limited,
International Gemological Institute,
360 One Foundation,
Kshirsagar Apte Foundation.
On the occasion Yaron shared how
“Philosophy and Beauty are to be experienced, not just explored in the mind. Our purpose is to contribute to a new and better world, not just by giving advice, but by becoming better.”
Sivan Barzilay, Branch Manager, emphasized life as a continuous pursuit of meaning sharing , “Life is in constant movement; the search for meaning is the search for direction. There is some opportunity in everything that happens to us, that reveals to us the nature of ourselves and of Life”.
Philosopher Dipti Sanzgiri, who leads the New Acropolis Music Group in Mumbai, spoke about the deep influence of culture—and especially music—on the human being. “Swara,” she explained, “is formed from swa (self) and ra (that which shines through). We may sing notes, but our true selves are always revealed through them. The aim of sadhana, or dedicated practice, is to purify our swara—to transform ourselves into instruments through which music can genuinely flow.”
Prachi Vaidya Dublay, a scholar of Adivasi music, shared the profound values she has learned from the community.
“To be human is to be an artist….. there is no separation between the two”
describing how music and dance are woven into the very fabric of communal life, with everyone participating. As she performed excerpts of Adivasi music, she highlighted their deeply nature-centric worldview—where human beings are seen not as separate or superior, but as one small, symbiotic part of the larger tapestry of Life.
Dhrupad singer Chintan Upadhyay offered a powerful demonstration of one of the most ancient forms of Indian classical music. He spoke about the importance of deep listening as an artist and the need to dissolve the ego—the sense of “I” tied to personal expression. “Between two notes,” he said, “there is a silence that allows us to hear something we may never have imagined—because divinity lies beyond the limits of our thoughts.”
A second segment brought vibrant performances from artists including Kathak & Lavani dancer Aditi Bhagwad, Carnatic vocalist Chandana Bala Kalyan, and tabla exponent Swapnil Bhise. They demonstrated how diverse art forms—from tribal to classical—reflect a shared human quest for purpose.
The evening closed with a lively Bharud folk performance by the New Acropolis Music Group, blending music and philosophy with the message that virtues are the antidote to modern-day challenges.
The event was covered by leading dailies .
Join us at the new centre as we continue to offer events, talks, courses, and workshops integrating philosophy, arts, and volunteering as tools for meaningful living.
