The grand scale launch of “Mystic India”, an audio-visual masterpiece, was hosted by BAPS and the IMAX Theatre at the Gateway Shopping Centre in Durban, South Africa on Monday 11 September 2006 at 6.30pm.

The event coincided with the 100-year Anniversary Celebration of Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of peaceful resistance or Satyagraha in South Africa.

The atmosphere was charged with Indian ethnicity. Most impressive was the colorful display of Eastern décor, brilliant lighting and invited guests dressed in traditional Indian attire. The VIP guests who attended this prestigious function included the Deputy Mayor of Durban – Mr Logie Naidoo, Ms Elaben Gandhi – grand-daughter of Mahatma Gandhi and chairlady of the Gandhi Development Trust and Mr Harsh Vardhan Shringla – Consulate General of India.

All the guests were welcomed and treated to delicious Indian snacks. Distinguished guests were welcomed in traditional Hindu manner with chanting of Sanskrit verses, tying of the sacred “nada-chhadi”, the marking of a red kumkum “chandlo” on their forehead and offering of bouquets. Also, before the film show, live entertainment in the form of cultural dances were performed by youths in colorful Indian costumes.

Guests were fascinated and awe-struck by the inspiring narration of Neelkanth Varni’s barefoot pilgrimage of India. Mystic India, an eastern experience, left an indelible impression in the minds of the western audience of South Africa.

The number of guests who turned up were close to 900 in total and the theatre had to show Mystic India a further two times in order to accommodate them all.

Opinions

“I was privileged to attend a screening of “Mystic India”. I found the film both informative and stimulating. The beautiful photography enhanced the moral message of the film which gives us insight into a very profound philosophy. I felt quite inspired.”