The dignity of Art

"Artists have to raise the public eye to their standards of taste; and not to stoop down to the cheap demands of the public, thus surrendering their freedom. This can be done by contacting of educational and social institutions, by the enlightened artists. Through articles in magazines and newspapers, the ideas of such artists can be propagated. Through dramas, films and radio talks, people can be educated for the understanding of real art. Thus the dignity of art can be maintained.
By coming into contact with the public at large through these societies, the social-self of an artist will develop into a keener and more sensitive being. It will react to the slightest unrest in the nation; to the slightest imbalance in the society. If he sees a leper on the street, his heart will go out with such sympathy that, through his art, he can create an atmosphere by which social workers, doctors, scientists, and the people in charge of the state will be forced to think of some solution to the problems of leprosy. If an artist finds his countrymen being unpatriotic or cowardly, he can, through others, create a deep respect in their minds. Such is the motivating power of an artist. They are the loveliest flowers of the creation, the sweetest dreams of the Creator, and the dearest parts of the human society.
Perhaps they do not know how they are loved, worshipped and followed by their spectators..."

Mrs.Nirmala Srivastava, extract from the souvenir for the launch of  'Youth Society For Films' in India in 1961.

Source: Yogi Mahajan, The Face of God (1999)   chapter 6