Report on the 4th Lux Pacifica, New Delhi 2002
Report on New Delhi Conference
9 – 11 September 2002
Vigyan Bhavan Conference Centre, New Delhi
Reg Wlison making an entrance in Jaipur
The 4th Lux Pacifica was hosted by the Indian Society of Lighting Engineers on behalf of the member societies. The conference was attended by almost 500 delegates and the papers and cultural programs were excellent.
The Light India International 2002 trade show preceded the Lux Pacifica and attracted 250,000 visitors of whom 10,000 were “high quality”, business-generating visitors. It is estimated that USD3 million of business was concluded at the event. There was a special display of international lighting designers’ work.
At the Taj Mahal post Lux Pacifica
Following is an extract from some personal observations about the conference*
For a first time visitor India can be quite daunting….
The venue for the 4th Lux Pacifica was New Delhi – a city that promised an exciting learning experience, a colourful history and staggering size (third largest in India with a population of 14 million). The city comprises two distinct parts, “Old” and “New”, but each shares common features such as vast numbers of people and traffic that sometimes borders on chaotic.
Imperial Hotel for afternoon tea
If you think that India is a place where only curry dishes are on the menu, let me correct that impression. For a nostalgic peek into the era of the Raj then all of the trappings of afternoon tea at the Imperial Hotel are a must – real story-book stuff! The flamboyant waiters’ outfits, the sumptuous, elegant and cool surroundings — all this added up to a magical oasis of calm in the maelstrom of the maddeningly attractive city.
For the conference dinner the organisers had prepared a treat — a mock Indian wedding. All the delegates and their partners were the guests. This cleverly set the mood for the evening and we all made suitable efforts to dress appropriately for to the occasion. On arrival at the venue, the side of a main street near the Ashok Hotel, we were greeted by an Indian brass band complete with its own very effective kerosene lamp lighting, traditional and lively Indian dancers and two elaborately decorated elephants. The groom arrived astride a white horse, the guests joined the procession to the hotel entrance; all led by the elephants in the noisiest possible mêlée. In the mean time normal road traffic chaos pushed and wound its way around the festivities. Only in India! At the hotel entrance the procession was treated to more traditional dancing and guests were invited to join in. A formal greeting from the Indian Society of Lighting Engineers organisers and the bride’s “fathers” (the CEOs of sponsors Bajaj Electricals and Philips Lighting) was the signal that the guests were invited to enter the reception area. More leis, more dancing, more drums, flowers, singing and colour.
Pressurised kerosene lights used at the wedding procession
Next came a simulated wedding ceremony, a wonderful cultural display and then a spectacular buffet dinner with food from all the major areas of the subcontinent. The happy and vibrant atmosphere was most conducive to a successful social occasion. Mr Hari Mamak, past President of ISLE and Mr Pranab Bandyopadhyay, President of ISLE had staged an event that will be long remembered by all of us who attended.
Wedding-guests
After a visit to Agra with some of the Australian cohort I chose to visit the city of Gwalior that has a magnificent fort – perhaps the best I have seen. Then I travelled to the well preserved “ghost city” of Fatehpur Sikri a short distance from Agra. I pressed on to another splendid city of magnificent architecture, Jaipur – the pink city. On the city outskirts at Amber is a steep sided hill and atop lies an impressive fort whose entrance is reached either by a hot climb on foot or a more stylish elephant ride. I chose the latter!
Taking into account the experiences, the richness of its culture, history and architecture, the sea of humanity and the multi-layered magic of India, it must be said that the magic is the lasting impression. If the opportunity presents itself you should seize the chance to make a visit.
* Adapted from an article published in the December 2002 issue Lighting written by Mr Reg Wilson, FIES, Lighting Analysis & Design, Sydney, Australia.