Ms Anuradha Sarup, who has been photographing Udaipur since 2001-02 as a resource person with Maharana Mewar Charitable Foundation observed, "Both Strasbourg and Udaipur are so distinct in their character - one being an ancient European settlement while Udaipur is a 450-year old city built by the Maharanas of Mewar - yet the spirit of the past is very alive in both these heritage cities. It was a challenge for me to capture the 'sacred' through the historical, cultural and religious identities of its people. Like Udaipur, Strasbourg has a ‘living heritage’. The city and its people have adapted beautifully to changing times. Quite appropriately the two are ‘Twin Cities’. I was delighted to experience the warmth of Udaipur’s Atithi Devo Bhava in the hospitality and affection of the people of Strasbourg.”
Dr. Mayank Gupta, Deputy Secretary of Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation which has been the moving force behind the Joint Cooperation Agreement said, "At MMCF we are confident that the photo-exhibition will open new avenues of understanding between the people of our two cities. It will provide access to various artists of different faiths while inspiring art, stimulating international research and digital knowledge exchange. This is precisely what 'people to people' contact is all about. I am sure the photo-exhibition will be seen and appreciated by professionals, academicians and people from all walks of life. We will make all attempts, when the photo-exhibition moves to India, to take it to the people. We strongly believe in the concept of 'living heritage', and ‘Seeking the Sacred - Photographic Exhibition (Viewpoints - Strasbourg – Udaipur)’ demonstrates the unifying strength of living heritage in Udaipur and across the world."
Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur, the Chairman and Managing Trustee of MMCF, said, "Our focus is the 'living heritage' of Mewar. Living heritage is a constantly evolving model of managing heritage and keeping it alive, dynamic and relevant to changing times. It covers both the intangible and tangible forms. I firmly believe living heritage has the inherent dynamism to trigger development of modern facilities in ancient environments. This development leads to enrichment of local economies, enhancement of quality of life in communities, higher employment generation, stemming of the rural migration to urban areas and generating greater pride in traditional professions, crafts and culture. It injects dignity in heritage and enriches the societal fabric. Living heritage, thus, bestows a distinct identity to those who live by its values and principles and celebrate its authenticity every day”.
Mr. Albert Huber (center) and Mr. Jean Louis,
President Festiv Musiq Sacrees Monde Strasbourg (left)
addressing the gathering
Guests at the inauguration of the exhibition
Guests at the inauguration of the exhibition
 Ms. Anuradha Sarup |
 Mr. Albert Huber |