In a visionary cultural endeavor that bridges ancient Indian wisdom with Russian symphonic mastery, the celebrated opera composer *Igor Evard* is set to compose a majestic Mahabharata Opera—a timeless epic reimagined through the lens of global harmony. The announcement was made at a high-profile BRICS Culture Media Forum (BCMF) gathering hosted at the iconic Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Dubai.
This unique artistic union was born during the AIM 2025 summit in Abu Dhabi, where the Agency for Strategic Initiatives invited BRICS nations to explore deeper cultural collaborations. BCMF Vice President Dr. Sergei Dvorianov responded with an inspired vision: a fusion of Indian classical music and Russian opera to narrate the soul-stirring story of the Mahabharata.
Dr. Jaan Nissar Lone, Global President of BCMF and a revered Indian composer, immediately embraced the concept. Determined to elevate it into an international cultural phenomenon, he extended an invitation to Igor Evard, one of Russia’s most accomplished opera composers, who graciously accepted the challenge.
Thus emerged *RASA* – the Russia-India Artistic Soul Alliance. The name, rooted in Sanskrit, symbolizes the emotional essence of artistic expression, harmoniously echoing the spirit of both nations.
The opera will serve as a musical tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Indian Nation and a global icon of non-violence, with the aim of spreading his message of peace and spiritual resilience in a world beset by geopolitical strife.
“In an age where conflict overshadows compassion, it is the responsibility of artists to become the voice of unity,” said Dr. Lone at the announcement. “The Mahabharata, through the lens of Indian ragas and Russian symphonic expression, becomes not only a performance but a universal prayer.”
Dr. Dvorianov added, “This opera represents the confluence of civilizations. It’s about creating not just music, but a message—one that celebrates our shared humanity.”
With the full strength of the BCMF behind it and the guiding spirit of *RASA, the *Mahabharata Opera is poised to grace global stages, from Moscow to Mumbai and beyond. It will not only captivate audiences but also act as a cultural envoy promoting understanding, empathy, and peace.
A new chapter in cultural diplomacy is being composed—not in treaties, but in timeless melodies.
