New Acropolis Mumbai celebrates Day of the Arts with a new centre

The weekend saw a fun celebration that seamlessly blended music, dance and philosophy to mark the Day of the Arts 2025. With powerful conversations and performances, themed ‘Seeking the Meaning of Life through Tribal, Folk, and Classical Arts’, the event was held at New Acropolis Mumbai’s (NAM) newly inaugurated School of Philosophy and Cultural Centre at Ballard Estate.

Kathak and Lavani artist Aditi Bhagwad

New Acropolis is a school of practical philosophy run and managed solely by volunteers. The event, which drew over 150 attendees, was part of a worldwide celebration across more than 50 countries. Yaron Barzilay, the national director of New Acropolis India North, shared, “Philosophy and beauty are to be experienced and 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.”

The new 4,000 sq ft centre includes four classrooms, a library with over 3,000 books, and an open area for events. When not in use for large gatherings, the area is set up like a cafeteria, allowing people to connect and share meals.

Adivasi music scholar Prachi Vaidya Dublay, Dhrupad singer Chintan Upadhyay, and philosopher Dipti Sanzgiri, who leads the New Acropolis music group in Mumbai spoke about art, culture, values, seeking and life. “If you are a human being, you are bound to be an artist. There is no separation between the two.”

The performances brought the evening’s theme, ‘Unity through Diversity’, to life. The audience was treated to rich renditions by Kathak and Lavani artist Aditi Bhagwad, Carnatic vocalist Chandana Bala Kalyan, and Tabla exponent Swapnil Satish Bhise.

Carnatic vocalist Chandana Bala Kalyan and Tabla exponent Swapnil Satish Bhise

Dhrupad vocalist Chintan Upadhyay emphasised the importance of listening as an artist and letting go of the ego or personal attachment to one’s expression. “Between two notes lies a silence that allows us to hear something we may never have imagined; because divinity exists beyond the realm of thought,” he said.

The event closed with a Marathi Bharud folk song titled ‘Vinchu Chavla’ (scorpion bite). Full of wit and depth, the song used metaphor and rhythm to deliver the philosophical message that one must cultivate inner virtues to transcend the stings of desire and anger.

As New Acropolis opens its new doors to the city, it continues to invite citizens to explore philosophy, culture, and volunteering as active tools for creating a better world. With regular events, workshops, and community initiatives, the newly launched centre promises to be a hub where thought meets action, and art meets life.