Yogi Priyvrata Animesh and Sharmila Tagore at Restoration of Satyajit Ray’s 1970 film

As global interest in South Asian cinematic heritage peaks, the 4K restoration of Satyajit Ray’s 1970 masterpiece, Aranyer Din Ratri (Days and Nights in the Forest), was unveiled this week at a premier event in New Delhi. The release marks a significant milestone in cultural preservation, bridging the gap between historical art and modern consciousness.

The evening featured a notable confluence of cinema and philosophy. Yogi Priyavrata Animesh Ji, Founder of the OOJ Foundation, presented legendary actress Sharmila Tagore with “The

Fire” – a volume from the Foundation’s Element Series. The gesture symbolized a “philosophical alignment” between the transformative power of cinema and the elemental forces of nature depicted in Satyajit Ray’s work.

“Cinema is more than entertainment; it is a medium for awakening,” stated Yogi Ji during the panel. This perspective resonates with the OOJ philosophy, which emphasizes the interplay of the five elements (Fire, Water, Earth, Air, and Space) in human experience. The event, supported by Shri Arijit Dutta of Priya Cinema Entertainment and Piyali Films, highlighted film restoration as a “sacred act of stewardship” for future global generations.