Indian filmmaker Benoy Behl's quest

To highlight the relevance of the ancient science of yoga in an increasingly fractious world, prolific Indian filmmaker, art historian and photographer Benoy K Behl, together with his partner Sujata Chatterji, have been shooting their latest film , "Yoga for World Peace:”  across India, USA, Japan, Germany, Vietnam, Bahamas, Argentina and Columbia.

The travels have been an eye-opener for the filmmakers. “It was wonderful to shoot in South America as the people are exceptionally interested in philosophy, and very open minded. The whole world can learn an important lesson from the frankness and open minds that I saw in South America,” says Behl.

Behl is particularly enthused about Columbia. In this violence-ridden society, techniques like yoga and meditation are being increasingly used to foster a climate of peace, harmony and compassion in society. The most traumatized sections like victims of armed conflict, former members of death squads, children from families disrupted by violence, prisoners and inmates in reform schools are learning what it means to connect with the self and find healing.

Behl has a large body of highly appreciated oeuvre behind him. He has made 26 films on “The Paintings of India”, 26 films on the “Sculpture of India” and a photographic exhibition on The Buddhist Heritage of the World.

Behl's works are reflective of a deep spirituality. “The compassionate philosophy of life which is enshrined in the ancient traditions of South Asia inspire me to work and to share these with the world,” he says. His travels to the famed ancient Ajanta Caves in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra in India were especially life-changing. As he says, “I came out of the caves, a person with something to share. I had come to realise that much beyond individuality and the personal needs and egos, there was something more important. There was this marvelous, marvelous philosophical understanding of the unity of all living things.”

The travails of being an independent filmmaker haven't dissuaded Behl from following his heart. His work on Ajanta opened up new doors and gave him worldwide recognition. It gave him flexibility in his choice of subjects and along with making films he lectures and exhibits extensively.