India Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) is organizing a special screening of the film "Sri Aurobindo: Beginning of a Spiritual Journey," directed and produced by the award-winning Indian Filmmaker Suraj Kumar, to commemorate the 151st birth anniversary of the revered philosopher and visionary Sri Aurobindo Ghose on August 15, 2023.The part of Sri Aurobindo is essayed by Vikrant Chauhan in the film.

The short film is based on Sri Aurobindo Ghose’s prison life (1908-1909) in Alipore Jail, Kolkata, from where his spiritual journey has started.Sri Aurobindo was arrested for conspiracy on 5th May 1908 and spent a full year in Alipore jail while the British Government, in a protracted court trial tried to implicate him in various revolutionary activities.Indian Missions abroad under the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) screened the ‘Sri Aurobindo: The Beginning of Spiritual Journey’ on Independence Day last year to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Sri Aurobindo under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

Following the screening, there will be discussion on the making of the film and the contemporary relevance of Sri Aurobindo’s teachings featuring the distinguished filmmaker Suraj Kumar and the multifaceted poet, diplomat, editor, and translator Abhay K who is the acclaimed author of numerous poetry books, including the celebrated "Monsoon" published by Sahitya Akademi. The renowned Indian film critic Murtaza Ali Khan will be moderating the discussion.

The short film holds a special significance as it offers a profound insight into the life and spiritual evolution of Sri Aurobindo, whose ideas and teachings have left an indelible impact on the world.The event, which will take place at the esteemed Samvet Auditorium, located at Janpath, IGNCA, promises to be a celebration of art, and a tribute to the spiritual legacy of Sri Aurobindo, commemoratinghis life and teachings on his 151st birth anniversary, embracing the enriching experience, fostering discussions that will undoubtedly contribute to the exploration of Sri Aurobindo's profound philosophy and enduring influence.

Filmmaker Suraj Kumar expressed his thoughts on the upcoming screening at IGNCA, "Sri Aurobindo's life is a beacon of spiritual awakening, and it's an honor to bring his journey to the screen. This film is a tribute to his transformative vision and its timeless relevance. This Independence Day, along with the screening at IGNCA, we are having another screening of the film at Auroville in Pondicherry."