VMPL
Chennai (Tamil Nadu), [India], May 21: Cognishift.org organized the Indo-Armenian-French Art & Literary Confluence titled “The God of Deserted Memories” from May 11-17, 2025, at the Lalit Kala Akademi in Chennai. This significant event was curated by Dr. Prashant Madanmohan (also known as Dr. Leander) along with Armenian impressionist artist Mari Poghosyan. Featuring 42 original artworks inspired by Dr. Prashant Madanmohan’s extensive philosophical novel “The God of Deserted Memories,” the festival successfully bridged the cultural heritage of India, Armenia, and France. The novel reached No. 2 on Amazon India’s bestseller list.
Literary Criticism bestseller
list.
Attracting more than 500 attendees—including institutional delegations, diplomats, and media representatives—the weeklong Confluence delved into how art and literature act as steadfast custodians of shared memories through the theme “Yaadhum Oore Yaavarum Kelir” (“All the world is my family, everyone a kinsman”).
Festival Highlights
A distinguished
cross-disciplinary dais
–Art critic Kalaimamani Trotsky Marudu, who is also a recipient of the Sahitya Akademi award; formerTN DGP S.K. Dogra; Retired Additional Deputy Controller General of India (ADCGI) Dr. C.S. Deva Prasad; United Nations correspondent Dr. Prakash M. Swamy; screenplay director Thiru Brindha Sarathy; secretary of Lalit KalaAkademi Sovan Kumar; Tamil poet and writer Dr. M. Pattazhagan; Manohari Madan; auditor G. Madanmohan; educator Shruthilaya – under the esteemed patronage of French veena virtuoso Chevalier RaghunathManet—proceeds with the following:
panel discussions
Keynote addresses, artist tours, panel discussions, music concerts, book readings, and poetry recitations highlighted the event. The Reminiscier Fellowships were awarded to Dr. Prashant Madanmohan and Mari Poghosyan by the Cognishift cultural council. French Deputy Consul-General Christophe Bramoulle praised the festival as “art encapsulating the spirit of three cultures,” whereas Dr. Ani Yeremyan from the Armenian Embassy commended Cognishift.org for initiating this “remarkable effort bringing together our countries.”
Introduction of the Cognishift Excellence Awards
The Cognishift Excellence Awards Program launched with its yearly Monalisa D’Amour Awards ceremony aimed at celebrating outstanding female authors, poets, and creatives. This year, Mrs. Manohari Madan, a renowned Tamil poet and author, was honored with the Monalisa D’Amour Award 2025 for her passionate poetry, which has been rendered into French, English, and Armenian languages and made available through Cognishift.org. The publication was officially presented during an event attended by the French Deputy Consul-General. Currently, nominations are being accepted across various award categories via cognishift.org/awards.
Voices from The deity of Forgotten Recollections
* Kalaimamani Trotsky Marudu: “Through art and prose, this work has bridged three countries under the ethos of Yaadhum Oore Yaavarum Kelir. Reading it stirred my emotions—the artwork combined with the narrative brought back memories long since buried. It also highlights the significant impact Armenian culture has had on Chennai.”
* Thiru Indran Rajendran notes, “Mari’s depictions of lotus ponds echo the style of Claude Monet—her portrayal of Raghunath Manet is strikingly realistic yet inventive. This publication along with her artwork bridges different cultures for the sake of global harmony. Her piece titled ‘Thiruvalluvar on the Kaveri banks’ endures, conveying messages silently.”
* Shri S.K. Dogra: “If I hadn’t been aware that Dr Prashant specializes in orthopedics, I might have mistaken him for a professor of literature or philosophy—he spoke so profoundly and authoritatively. With his book, Dr Leander brings back dormant recollections and makes us reflect on our losses.”
* Mari Poghosyan: “I rely solely on art as a medium to convey the authenticity of memories. Monuments are for everyone—a reflection of our common human experience.”
* Dr Prashant Madanmohan: “It’s essential to recall our origins so we can appreciate diversity and progress collectively. The globe is a blend of various cultures; our memories mold us, whereas our neglect can haunt us.”
* Dr Prakash M. Swamy: “This captivating reflection on memory compels us to recall; its refined writing genuinely merits a Pulitzer.”
* Thiru Brindha Sarathy: “Dr Prashant has written inspirational books on many figures; Mari’s stunning monuments–especially her Indian depictions–show how art can unite us all.”
* Mrs. Manohari Madan: “The Deity of Forgotten Recollections cautions us that ignoring individuals, affection, or responsibilities makes us empty—its scriptures and artworks encourage us to retrieve what we have abandoned.”
* Ms Shruthilaya M.: “The book portrays memories as dynamic influences, respecting various truths from different cultures; Dr. Leander’s heartfelt expeditions and Mari’s vibrant depictions encourage us to reconnect with our inner selves.”
About the Curators
* Dr Prashant Madanmohan – An orthopedic surgeon, philosopher-author, and the founder of Cognishift.org, he delves into the convergence of medicine, memory, art, and intellect. His book “The God of Deserted Memories” takes readers on an extensive philosophical journey across three ancient civilizations.
* Mari Poghosyan – An Armenian Impressionist who uses her vibrant paintings to turn emotional sorrow into hues of color. Displayed in galleries across Yerevan and Chennai, she promotes art as a global means for healing and commemoration.
About Cognishift.org
Based in Chennai, Cognishift.org is a multifaceted platform that brings together art, literature, memory, philosophy, and both personal and professional development. This organization offers various services such as original publications, a select bookstore, educational courses designed for transformational learning, along with hosting workshops and conferences. It also publishes its leading periodical called “Cognishift Insider,” manages a digital Armenian museum, and operates an interactive art studio. Through organizing cultural events, producing exclusive content, and honoring exceptional creativity through awards like the Cognishift Excellence Awards, this platform promotes a wide array of perspectives and fosters intellectual guidance. To learn more about their initiatives, you can explore further at
www.cognishift.org.
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