World War II heroes remembered Glowing tributes were paid to the great heroes who sacrificed their precious lives at the altar of the service of their countries at a function jointly organized by the Russian Centre of Science and Culture (RCSC) and Bluebells School International, East of Kailash, in the Capital on September 2. The function was well attended by a huge gathering of teachers and students of the school. The programme, befitting the occasion, dedicated to the last day of World War II—September 2, 1945---comprised a Lecture-cum-Presentation by Mr. Sergey Isaev, Head of Science and Technology Section, RCSC, and the screening of a Documentary Film on the Development of Techniques in the Soviet Weapons System during the Years of War. In the course of the question-answer session, both teachers and students posed inquisitive queries spanning different aspects of defence to Mr. Sergey Isaev. The main focus was on modern weapons in application by the Russian Army as well as Indo-Russian cooperation in the field of defence, particularly Brahmos, nuclear weapons system, etc. The prompt response with satisfactory answers from Mr. Sergey Iseav was duly appreciated by the gathering. Great emphasis was laid on the necessity of joint efforts by the world community in combating conflicts in future to ensure a peaceful world.

Two indo-russian couples received russian medals “for love and fidelity” On the second day of the IV Conference of Russian Compatriots of the Asian-Pacific Region organized at the Russian Centre of Science and Culture, Mr. Andrei A. Sorokin, Charge d' Affaires, Embassy of the Russian Federation in India, presented Russian Medals “For Love and Fidelity” to two Indo-Russian couples who spent more than 25 years together---Mrs. Raisa Kaushik, Indologist, and Dr. Devendra Kaushik, Academic and Historian, recipient of “Order of Friendship” and “Soviet Land Nehru” Awards, and Mrs. Tatiana Shipilova, Russian Language Teacher, Springdales School, Pusa Road, New Delhi, and Dr. Shanti Vardhan, Oncologist.

IV Conference of Russian Compatriots of Asian-Pacific Region The IV Conference of Russian Compatriots of the Asian-Pacific Region, jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affaires of the Russian Federation, the Embassy of the Russian Federation in India and Russian Centre of Science and Culture (RCSC), had its successful deliberation at the RCSC on August 30 and 31, 2010. Representatives from Russia, India, Japan, China, Mongolia, New Zealand, Singapore, Australia and Fiji took part in the conference. Mr. Andrei A. Sorokin, Charge d' Affaires, Embassy of the Russian Federation in India, Mr. Alexander A. Safronov, Director, Compatriots' Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of the Russian Federation, Dr. Dmitry Chelyshev, Counsellor (Press and Culture), Embassy of the Russian Federation in India, Mr. Fyodor A. Rozovskiy, Director, RCSC, and Ms. Elena Barman, President, Delhi Association of Russian Compatriots, attended the conference. Ms. Elena Barman, represented India the host country, being the venue of the conference this year. The major objective of the conference was to enable the new generation, children of Russian compatriots, imbibing the basic knowledge on the culture, language and tradition of the parent country Russia. The highlight of the deliberation was a clarion call on joint efforts on inculcating Russian knowledge through persistent endeavour of teaching by professionals, with the focus being made on how to promote and popularize the Russian language. During the election for the new office-bearers, Australia was chosen the President of the Russian Compatriots of the Asian-Pacific Region for the third time. The conference also passed a resolution envisaging problems the compatriots facing in the region to be sent across for due approval by the Russian Foreign Ministry. After the official part of the conference, the representatives of Russian Compatriots of the Asian-Pacific Region visited a Painting Exhibition presented by Ms. Ludmila Chakravarthy, a Russian compatriot. After the conference, the delegates visited the historic city of Agra.

65th Anniversary of Victory over Fascism organized at Delhi Public School A function dedicated to the 65th Anniversary of the Victory over Fascism in the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945) was held on August 20 at the Delhi Public School, Dwarka, New Delhi under the joint auspices of the Russian Centre of Science and Culture (RCSC). Giving a Lecture-cum-Presentation on this unforgettable event of the history of mankind, which changed the course of history of the world, Mr. Sergey Isaev, In-charge, Science and Technology Section, RCSC said that the new generations must know how much blood and tears were shed during the period of this war, which finally gave us not only the great joy of victory, but also a heavy responsibility for the fate of the world. Paying rich tributes to those who sacrificed their lives for Motherland, he noted that the victory over Nazism is a great example and a great lesson for all peoples, when once again there are those who are interested in embarking on military adventures. Mr. Isaev also pointed out that India individually expressed solidarity with the efforts of the people and Government of the Soviet Union in the dire years of war. He made an appeal to the young generation of today for spreading awareness in the society, so that the war of such horrendous nature could never be repeated in future. A Photo-Exhibition on the different aspects of the Great Patriot War was displayed on the occasion and a short Documentary Film was also screened.

Literary Evening “All-Time Classics” at RCSC To mark the anniversaries of the word-known Russian books, a literary evening titled “All-time Classics” was jointly organised by the Russian Centre of Science & Culture (RCSC) and Parichay Sahitya Parishad at RCSC on August 20. The function was attended by the elite gathering of Indian poets, writers, novelists and journalists and was presided over by Ms. Urmil Satyabhushan, President, Parichay Sahitya Parishad. The books featuring in the function - some of the finest creations of the very famous Russian writers – “Ruslan and Ludmila” (1820) - a fairy-tale in verse by Alexander Pushkin (completing 190 years publication ), “Hero of Our Time” (1840) - a novel by Mikhail Lermonov, (completing 170 years of publication) and “The Brothers Karamazov” (1880) - a novel by Fyodor Destoevskiy, are still popular and are as very much worth reading today as on the moment of publication, the distinguished participants said. While addressing the gathering, Ms. Urmil Stayabushan added that all these works are not at all outdated even after being more than a century old and these works are still alive in the forms of operas, cinemas, theatres and many of the modern writers, dramatists and artists getting inspiration from these classics, for their creative works. Earlier the Senior Executive and Programme Coordinator, RCSC, Ms. Yelena Shtapkina giving a power-point presentation on these classics, highlighted not only the summery of the books and their historical and literary values, but also mentioned the most important biographical background and literary contributions of the world renowned writers.

Girls' Convention -2010 Organised at RCSC On the theme “EVERYTHING IS SOMEWHAT A MIXTURE AND IT DEPENDS ON US AND OUR CAPABILITY HOW WE CAN EXTRACT GOOD” - A quote from the Pioneer of Russian-Indian Friendship Movement and former Prime Minister of India, the late MRS. INDIRA GANDHI, a “Girls' Convention -2010” was organised jointly by the Russian Centre of Science and Culture (RCSC), New Delhi and the girl students of various colleges of Delhi University, at RCSC on August 19. Mr. Mukul Wasnik, one of the youngest Cabinet Minister of India and the General Secretary of All India Congress Committee, Mr. Sachin Pilot, the young State Minister of India, Mr. L. Rajagopal, young Member of Parliament, Ms. Meenakshi Natrajan, the young M.P. and National Secretary of All India Congress Committee, Mr. Oscar Fernandes, Senior Member of Parliament and the General Secretary of All India Congress Committee, and Ms. Priya Dutt, one of the youngest and very charming lady Member of Parliament, who is the daughter of very famous couple (the late Mr. Sunil Dutt, Popular Indian Cine Actor turned social worker and formerly Cabinet Minister of India and the late Ms. Nargis Dutt, the internationally renowned cine personality, who worked in first joint Russian-Indian cine production PARDESHI as the leading lady and was very popular among Russian masses), participated in the convention. Addressing the huge gathering of college girls of Delhi University, the speakers stressed upon the important role the girls are playing in building the future of a Nation. They said that it is not necessary to become a leader the girls should only participate in political activities of one's country, but whatever they do, be it education, art, management, science, business, culture, administration, etc., they should always excel in their respective fields, which automatically will make them the leader of that particular field, thus they can play a very crucial role in bringing a countries future to new heights. While, interacting one to one with representatives of Russian Centre of Science and Culture, Ms. Priya Dutt, M.P. showed very keen interest in the various activities of the RCSC. Ms. Dutt assured her full support in bringing the Russian-Indian Youth Movement to new heights. She said that it will always be her pleasure to assist, guide and lead the activities of the Russian Centre, related to young generation of our two countries. The main organizer of the convention, Ms.Tanu Yadav, the Students Leader of the Delhi University, on her own behalf and on behalf of her team, conveyed their profound thanks to the Director and the other staff members of RCSC, for the sincere cooperation extended to them in making the convention a great success.

Painting Exhibition “CONSONANCE OF INDIAN AND RUSSIAN ARCHITECTURE” A Painting Exhibition by Indian Artist Mr. Adarsh Kumar Sinha entitled “Consonance of Indian and Russian Architecture”, jointly organized by the Russian Centre of Science and Culture (RCSC), International Federation of Indo-Russian Youth Clubs and College of Art (Delhi University) was organised at RCSC on August 18, 2010. Opening the Exhibition by lighting the traditional lamp, Mr. Anurag Singh Thakur, young Member of Parliament from Himachal Pradesh, said that the significant aspect of the creative imagination of Adarsh Kumar has been genuinely demonstrated through his works displayed at the Exhibition. He made it emphatic that the works are the real outcome of a prolonged time-consuming process undertaken by the artists with great patience and through consistent knowledge of Indian and Russian Architecture. Remembering the long association of renowned Russian artist Nicholas Roerich & his family and Roerichs' Museum in Naggar, the young MP emphasized the special relations between Russia and his state Himachal Pradesh. He extended an open invitation to Russian and Indian artists to have more and more interaction with Himachal Pradesh. Earlier, welcoming an elite gathering, Miss Elena Shtapkina, Executive Secretary and Programme Coordinatior of RCSC, pointed out that it has been a continuous endeavour of the Russian Centre to promote the Russian-Indian Cultural Contacts, by providing a platform to young Indian and Russian artists and the current Exhibition is a part of this process. Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Honourable Guests, Mr. Vinay Kumar, Deputy Secretary, Lalit Kala Akademy, National academy of Arts, New Delhi, Ministry of Culture, Government of India and Ms. Surjit Akre, Artist, President, Roerichs' Art Club, RCSC, lauded the efforts of the Indian artist for such incredible amalgamations of Russian and Indian architecture At the Exhibition, the artist-Adarsh Kumar Sinha presented 26 of his best paintings on landmark Indian and Russian architecture and landscapes reflecting the historical glory and legacy of the two countries. His distinct style visualized a creative approach in depicting both Indian and Russian architecture bordering each other obviously reflecting his imagination and fantasy. The artist shared his impression that he has represented realism and imagination through his technique of painting, and by sketching he tried to show the heritage and monuments of medieval and ancient age close to the minds and hearts of the peoples. His paintings are an eloquent expression of the human bond with cultural heritage and civilization.

RCSC Marked 63rd Anniversary of Independece of India A Gala Function “Spirit of Freedom – Bridging Friendship beyond Frontiers” dedicated to the 63rd Anniversary of Independence of India, jointly organized by the Russian Centre of Science and Culture (RCSC) and India-Russia Chamber of Commerce, was held at RCSC on August 16. Acknowledging the gesture of RCSC in marking this landmark event in the history of India, the Chief Guest, Mrs. Preneet Kaur, Minister of State for External Affairs, Government of India, described Russia as a genuine friendly country which sincerely and firmly stood by us both in times of peace and crisis, adding that thanks to the timely help and assistance rendered by the erstwhile Soviet Union, and then Russia, India could strengthen its infrastructure to a greater extent. Pointing out that constant contacts and regular meetings between our dynamic leaderships enabled consolidating our relations to a higher level, the Minister said that India is looking forward to a number of important visits from Russia, including that of Defence Minister Mr. Anatoly Sedyukov, Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Sobyanin, Minister of Industry and Trade Mr. Victor Khristenko, Minister of Economic Development Ms. Elvira Nabiullina, culminating in the visit of President Mr. Dmitry Medvedev for the 11th Annual Summit in December 2010. Addressing the gathering, the Guest of Honour, Mr. Andrei A. Sorokin, Charge d' Affaires, Embassy of the Russian Federation in India, pointed out that it is in the best of our traditions that important days in the history of our countries are marked on both sides every year. “Russian-Indian relationship, flourishing manifold, spanning different spheres of life, is literally an ideal role model in international relations, apt to be emulated by world nations”, he said. In his words, the exchange of delegations, holding of festivals and mutual visits by leaders, etc., have given a new momentum to our bilateral relations thereby strengthening people-to-people diplomacy. The official part of the function was followed by a Mesmerizing Performance by Renowned Kathak Dancer Padmashri Shovana Narayan and her troupe including a dance item by Ms. Narayan on the Russian song “Katyusha” sang by her sister Ranjana Narayan. The students of the School of Russian Classical Ballet, RCSC also presented a very enthralling performance of ballet, on the occasion. The function was attended by Ambassadors and Senior Diplomats of various countries and many prominent Indian figures from the different walks of life of the capital city.

C. S. Sharma memorial chess tournament at RCSC The two-day C. S. Sharma Memorial Chess Tournament was held at Botwinnik Chess Academy, Russian Centre of Science and Culture (RCSC) at RCSC on August 10 and 11. Sixty-six children from 20 Delhi-based schools took part in the tournament, organized every year in memory of the late Mr. C. S. Sharma, former General Secretary of the Botwinnik Chess Academy. The tournament was held in five categories, and the final standings are given below. It is of great interest that children below the age of 7 included the participants of the tournament. The first-prize winners under the five categories comprised Kirtvir Singh (U-7), Varun Bansal (U-9), Shramik Rawal (U-11), Shubhankit Banerjee (U-13) and Jay Seth (U-15). Mr. Sergey Isaev, Head of Science and Technology Section, RCSC, Ms. Yelena S. Shtapkina, Senior Executive and Programme Coordinator, RCSC, Mr. R. K. Bagrodia, President of the Botwinnik Chess Academy, and Mr. R. S. Tiwari, General Secretary, Botwinink Chess Academy, attended the prize-distribution ceremony. While Mr. Sergey Isaev was all praise for the winners of the tournament with promises on continued help and support to the Chess Academy in the future as in the past, Ms. Yelena S. Shtapkina was forthcoming with her appreciation for the consistent efforts taken by Mr. R. S. Tiwari in the conduct of the Botwinnik Chess Academy and the organization of the tournament. Mr. R. K. Bagrodia rightly used the opportunity in urging those concerned to enhance the bilateral cooperation between India and Russia by exchanging delegations so as to facilitate increasing interaction and mutual understanding. Mr. R. S. Tiwari with perfect commitment on the Chess Academy was all the more grateful to the RCSC for providing immense help, guidance and cooperation in the effective organization of the Chess Academy.

Friendship Film Festival opened in New Delhi At a simple but colourful function, a “Friendship Film Festival” and a “Photo Exhibition” on “Glimpses of Russia & India” were opened in the gracious presence of senior diplomats of CIS Countries and distinguished Indian film-makers with a clear note of optimism at the Russian Centre of Science and Culture (RCSC), 24-Ferozeshah Road, here yesterday. Organized with the Citizen's Film Forum (CFF) and Forum of Indian Photographers and Artists (FIPA), respectively, the organizers drew enormous inspiration from the participants that such unprecedented joint efforts on film festival collaborating with CIS Countries ought to be an annual feature in future given the significance and relevance attached thereon. During the “Friendship Film Festival”, from August 3 to August 6, 2010, there will be screening of feature, documentary and children's film from six countries, including Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan, Russia and India in the premises of the RCSC. The directors or producers of feature films from India will be present for discussion during the festival. Pointing out the distinct feature of organizing such a film festival on films from India and CIS countries, Mr. Andrei A. Sorokin, Charge d' Affaires, Embassy of the Russian Federation in India, appreciated the joint efforts of organizers for this unique event thereby marking an important milestone in the bilateral cultural relations between Russia and India. The Photo Exhibition provided glimpses of diverse aspects of photographic art to the benefit of artists from both countries, he noted. Referring to the bilateral cooperation in cinematography since the Soviet times, Mr. Sorokin described it as having a glorious past, adding that the popularity of Indian cinema in Russia and that of Russian cinema in India has no match in terms of popularity in the international context. Earlier, welcoming the gathering, Mr. Fyodor A. Rozovskiy, Director, RCSC, said that it was for the first time ever that the RCSC is holding such a film festival with the screening of films from India and CIS Countries. The on-going process of holding film festivals in each other's countries helps us to know each other better and transforming our ties into an ideal relationship, he said. In his remarks in the capacity of the Secretary of Citizens's Film Forum and President of the Forum of Indian Photographers and Artists, Mr. Vimal S. Mehta, pointed out that the Citizens' Film Forum has been promoting the viewing of meaningful cinema among the Delhi citizens for the last three decades, and in has organized many festivals in association with various embassies, cultural centres and the Federation of Film Societies of India. The photographers and artists of the FIPA are doing pioneering work of promoting fine arts and performing arts by organizing art camps, photographic and film-making workshops. More than 200 photographers participated in the contest held by FIPA, and photographs of 11 Indian and four Russian photographers were selected for display along with the works of a group of students of Modern School, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi, with a view to promoting amateur artists. Making his observation, H.E. Dr. Tamerlan Karayev, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to India, referred to the wide popularity of Indian film celebrities in his country. He also traced the background of film industry in his country right from the days when it was part of the erstwhile Soviet Union, and underlined the importance of more festivals of such magnitude in future with his country's active participation. Asserting the relevance of joint cooperation in the organization of film festivals, H. E. Mr. Doulat Kuanyshev, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to India, stressed the need of joint film festivals with the participation of his country so that the people of India will get more exposure to the life of the people and history of his country. He said that the people of his country are very fond of Indian cinema and film artists. Appreciating the welcome initiative of the RCSC in bringing the CIS Countries with the right focus on their cinema, Mr. Vladimir I. Kremyanko, Charged' Affaires, Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in India, said that the uniqueness of such joint film festivals reflect in facilitating the peoples comprehension of the history and culture of each other's country. He was all praise for the excellence in the quantity and quality of Indian cinema making a mark in the global context. Mr. K. Bikram Singh, prominent Indian Film Maker, in his address referred to the contributions of Russian cinema, and lauded the initiative of the RCSC in giving exposure to the films of CIS Countries. Mr. V. P. Chopra, Founder President, Citizens' Film Forum, described the background of cooperation between the Forum and RCSC right from the Soviet days to the greater interest of peoples of two countries, and wished the same to continue in the years to come.. Mr. Fyodor A. Rozovskiy, Director, RCSC, presented souvenirs to both Mr. V. P. Chopra and Mr. Vimal S. Mehta in appreciation to their contributions.

Emphasis on Reducing Negative Impact of Global Climate Change Speakers at a Convention organized at the Russian Centre of Science and Culture in the Capital on July 28 were unanimous in making a clarion call for joint efforts by Russia and India on reducing the negative impa?t of global climate change. The Convention “Impact of Global Climate Change on Agriculture in Russia and India”, jointly organized with Bharatiya Krishak Samaj, was addressed by prominent academics, agricultural scientists, environmentalists, M.P.s, and others, and attended by a large gathering of agriculturists representing several Indian states. The function was Chaired by Dr. T. K. Meinya, M. P., and conducted by Dr. Krishan Bir Chaudhary, President, Bharatiya Krishak Samaj. Voicing his concern on the negative impact of global climate change, the Chief Guest H.E. Lt. Gen. (Retd.) M.M. Lakhera, Governor of Mizoram, noted that the developing countries like India are highly vulnerable to its potential impact, adding that ironically the high-emission polluters in developed counties are going to be the beneficiaries of climate change and not its victims as far as food production is concerned. The world community needs to come together to discuss mitigation and adaptation strategies to counter global warming and climate change so that the poor are not made to carry the full burden of this man-made disaster, the Chief Guest said and added that what we need to do is to improve our traditional seeds in the Indian environment to achieve higher production by better means of water harvesting, soil fertility and organic fertilizers. Earlier, welcoming the gathering, Mr. Sergey Isaev, Head of Science and Technology, RCSC, said that global warming is the observed increase in the average temperature of the Earth's atmoslphere and oceans in recent decades and its project continuation into the future. He pointed out that Russia is today the world leader in reducing green house gas emissions. Russia accounts for half of all the reduction in emissions in the world over the last 20 years. Making a clarion call on joint efforts by India and Russia towards reducing the impact of global climate change largely affecting mainly agricultural production, Mr. Oscar Fernandes, M.P., Chairman, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Human Resource Development, laid emphasis on focusing more on organic manure in agriculture, water conservation and water management. Pronounsing a note of warning that developed countries are more responsible for climate change, Mr. Harish Rawat, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Government of India, said that those responsible should do the needful in the matter. In India, over 90 per cent of the people perform green job and they do not harm environment. Our Government is more concerned about agri-measures, and this is the major one among the eight missions it has launched, he noted. Assessing the substantial climate change of recent years influencing all aspects of human life and activities, Mr. Andrei A. Sorokin, Charge d' Affaires, Embassy of the Russian Federation in India, pointed towards the green house gases and aerosol upsetting the radioactive balance of the system contributing to global warming. Citing the fact that Russia is one of the countries where agriculture depends largely on climate fluctuation, Mr. Sorokin said that the impact of climate change on agriculture in Russia is very complicated and little-investigated. He expressed the hope that joint efforts of scientists from India and Russia will facilitate the introduction of innovative technologies and more effective cooperation in such critical areas as quality improvement systems for maintaining soil fertility and preventing land degradation, saving and mobilization of the gene pool of plants resources, effective biotechnologies for the selection of species with higher productivity and resistance to unfavourable environmental factors, the establishment of national systems of agro-ecological monitoring. Such cooperation could not only strengthen food security of our countries, but also make it possible to reduce the negative impact of global climate change, Mr. Sorokin concluded. Maj. Gen. (Retd.) R. M. Kharab, Chairman, Animal Welfare Board of India, explained the negative effects creeping in the environment on account of human negligence and underlined various measures to obtain food security and better agricultural production. Mr. Aboni Roy, M. P., in his observation referred to the imperative of stalling the efforts of developed countries in damaging the global climate with a view to maintaining the ecological balance. Mr. Madan Lal Sharma, M.P., expressed the view that we in India are blessed with the greenery whereas the Western countries in abject violation of norms spoil the environmental harmony and balance. Mr. Sajjan Singh Verma, M. P., called for more and more efforts to make our nature eco-friendly aimed it ensuring a sumptuous and comfortable climatic environment. Mr. D. D. Lapang, Former Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Chairman, Nearth-East Congress Committee, said that climate change is a reality affecting agriculture and food security across the globe. He made an emphatic note on rising to the occasion to meet this challenging phenomenon. Mr. Sunil Shastri, Ex M.P., described agriculture as the soul of the country's economy and agriculturists the backbone of our people. Referring to the global warming as a dangerous signal, he warned that consistent efforts are the need of the hour to contain it. Mr. P. K. Thungan, Former Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, underscored the great role India and Russia can play together joining other nations in confronting the serious issue of global warming thereby ensuring a harmless and safe atmosphere. Mr. Atul Kumar Anjan, Secretary, CPI, in his address was critical on the role of developed Western countries whose negligent attitude towards the crucial condition on global warming, which needs to be met with. Dr. T. K. Meinya, M.P. in his Presidential remarks pin pointed the suggestions and observations made by the distinguished speakers contributing to tackling of global warming so as to ensure ecological balance and a pure and peaceful environment.

Fourth Meeting of “RIFMA” Literary Club “Russian Literature of the XVIII Century” was the focus of discussion at the fourth meeting of “RIFMA” (Rhyme) under the Institute of Russian Language which was held at the RCSC on July 24. The programme consisted of a lecture-cum-presentation, literary analysis and on-the-spot translation of I. A. Krylov'e fables into Hindi/English. Convened by Dr. Girish Munjal, Director, Institute of Russian Language, RCSC, the meeting was also attended by Ms. Yelena S. Shtapkina, Senior Executive and Programme Coordinator, RCSC. Ms. Elena S. Shtapkina dwelt upon the general features of Russian literature in the 18th century with special emphasis on the main trends of Russian classicism and Russian sentimentalism. With regards to Russian classicism, she referred to the period represented by Lomonosov, Trediakovskiy, Fonvisin, and others. They developed the classical style borrowed from European literature, she noted, adding that they confined to social ethos. Referring to 1770s, she said that the trend of sentimentalism was represented by writers such as Karamzin and others who contemplated on personal life of common people. Dr. Girish Munjal highlighted the characteristic features on the fables of Ivan Andreevich Krylov, who wrote fables on social topics. The students of the Institute of Russian Language, divided into groups, translated his fables into Hindi. They were helped in translation by the Russian language teacher Olga Bogdanova. The best translation will be published later on.

Soviet Short Story Writer Mikhail Zoshchenko Remembered Rich Tributes Were Paid To Outstanding Soviet Short Story Writer Mikhail Zoshchenko By Speakers Comprising Indian Writers, Poets, Journalists And Critics At A Literary Evening Dedicated To His 115th Birth Anniversary Jointly Organized By The Russian Centre Of Science And Culture (rcsc) And Parichay Sahitya Parishad At Rcsc On July 23. Chaired By Mrs. Urmil Sathabhushan, President Of Parichay Sahitya Parishad, The Literary Evening At Which Prominent Hindi Writer Mr. Balswaroop Rahi Was The Chief Guest, Reviewed Her Latest Book, A Collection Of Her Short Stories, Entitled ”srijan Samagra-vol I”. Writers And Poets Such As Mr. Rajendra Gautam, Dr. Laxmi Shankar Bajpeyi, Mr. Mahesh Darpan And Mr. Prem Chand Sahajwala Were Unanimous In Underscoring Her Rare Writing Talent And Expertise In Presenting A Very Authentic Account Of The Social Life Of Indian Women. The Chief Guest Mr. Balswaroop Rahi Pointed Out That Only The Writing That Can Convert A Writer's Experience In To The Reader's Feeling Is The Genuine Writing. Mr. Prem Chand Sahajwala Noted That The Noted Author, Poet And Writer Ms. Urmil Satyabhushan Had Boldly Brought Forward In Her Latest Book The Realistic Glimpses Of A Woman's Life In The Indian Society, Adding That He Admired Specifically On The Story “ab Our Naheen” In Which The Woman Revolts Against Injustice And Cruelty Of The Male Member. Dr. Laxmi Shankar Bajpeyi Pointed Out That The Girl Character In Her Story “shabas Kudiye” Can Be Seen In Every Indian House Gasping For Space To Live And Freedom To Exist. The Presentation By Ms. Yelena S. Shtapkina, Senior Executive And Programme Coordinator, Rcsc, Featured The Literary Career Of The Soviet Shot Story Writer Mikhail Zoshchenko (1895—1958). Born In Ukraine, The Writer Had Attended The Faculty Of Law At St. Petersburg, Where He Spent Most Of His Life. He Served As A Grenadier Regiment During World War I And Later Briefly In The Red Army. From 1923 Onwards His Short Stories Were Published In The Satirical Press. Since The 1960s, He Has Been Increasingly Published And Discussed In Russia. His Main Short Stories Are “aristocrat”, “dog Scent”, “bath House”, “lemonade”, “electrician”, “foreigners”, “housing Crisis”, “three Men And A Cat”, “summer Breather”, And “what Good Are Relatives”. His Important Anthologies Include “great Russian Short Stories” And “modern Russian Stories”.

“Indo-Russian Friendship Day” at Guru Harkrishan Public School The children of Guru Harkrishan Public School, Nanak Piao, had the first experience on the knowledge of Russia thanks to the Russian Centre of Science and Culture with which the school organized the “Indo-Russian Friendship Day” comprising a number of colourful cultural items providing the students with a wide exposure to the history, culture, nature and religion of the country on July 20. The RCSC was the first to respond to the request of the school, when it approached a number of foreign-countries' missions based in Delhi to organize such function for the benefit of students. Ms. Yelena S. Shtapkina, Senior Executive and Programme Coordinator, RCSC, Ms. Galina Lyakhova, Ballet Teacher, Ms. Nadezhda Balyan, Mrs. Larissa Galyautdinova, Music Teachers, Music School, RCSC, attended the function. The Chief Guest on the occasion was Mr. Davinder Singh Kwatra, Chairman, Guru Harkrishan Public School, Nanak Piao, Member, Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, Mr. Jasbir Singh, Vice Chairman, Guru Harkrishan Public School, Nanak Piao, Junior Brach, and Dr. Avtar Singh, and Ms. Kulvinder Kaur, Principal and Headmistress, respectively, Guru Harkrishan Public School, attended the function. A large gathering consisting of students, teaching staff and parents of the school attended the function. A Photo Exhibition “Trip to Russia” accompanied by the beautiful presentation of music and dance performance by students of the Music School, School of Russian Classical Ballet and Delhi Association of Russian Compatriots of the RCSC immensely impressed the school children. The ballet item “Swan Lake” was the highlight of the School of Russian Classical Ballet, overwhelmingly welcomed by the audience. The duet song performed by Ms. Nadezhda Balyan and Ms. Larissa Galyautdinova, based on lyrics by Sergey Yesenin “Old Maple”, remained one of the best items received by the gathering with great enthusiasm. The Armenian twin-sisters' song-and-dance presentation irresistibly attracted the audience. On their part, the students of the Guru Harkrishan Public School also showed their skill and talent through a number of music and dance items such as wedding dance, Bangda, Gadka, etc. Acknowledging the gesture of RCSC in promptly responding to the request of the school, Mr. Davinder Singh Kwatra expressed the hope that with a good beginning they could look forward to greater cooperation in the future. Dr. Avtar Singh thanked the RCSC in enabling the students of the school to have wider exposure to Russia with which India has historical and traditional friendship. Ms. Kulvinder Kaur described the day as momentous in the life of students who gained a better understanding of Russian culture and history. Ms. Yelena S. Shtapkina thanked the school authorities for the initiatives taken in organizing the programme, and welcomed the teachers and students to have wider participation in the multifarious events being organized by the RCSC. A team of teachers and students from the school will visit the RCSC in the beginning of August, 2010 to watch the screening of Russian animation films and a lecture-cum-presentation on “Contemporary Russia”. With the help of materials already provided by RCSC, the school will show short presentation on Russia in different classes

“Contemporary Russia” Demonstration at Springdales School An Open Lesson entitled “Contemporary Russia” was organized within the framework of the annual “Languages Day” at the Springdales School, Pusa Road, New Delhi, on July 16. The school provides teaching in Russian, Japanese, German and French. They have invited officials from the embassies and cultural centres of Russian Federation, Japan, Germany and France based in the Capital to motivate the students. As such, representatives from RCSC, Japanese Cultural Centre, Max Mueller Bhavan and Alliance Francaise attended the function. The presentation by Ms. Yelena S. Shtapkina, Senior Executive and Programme Coordinator, RCSC, featured Russian history, culture, nature, religion, sports and Russian-Indian relations to the greater interest of teaching staff, students and guests and representatives from other missions. The students of Russian language of the Springdales School, Pusa Road, on their part, presented Russian games, Russian songs, recited Russian poems, which highly impressed the gathering. The function went a long way in promoting the learning of Russian language in India and cementing the linguistic ties between the two sides. The Springdales School, Pusa Road, New Delhi, has the credit of being the first school in India to start a course in the Russian language about 50 years ago.

RCSC marks 150th birth anniversary of Anton Chekhov A stage performance “Chekhov—the Vaudevilles” by Thespian Society and a Photo Exhibition, dedicated to the 150th Birth Anniversary of the outstanding Russian writer Anton Chekhov, was held at the Russian Centre of Science and Culture on July 16. The function was attended by an elite gathering which was immensely impressed with the performance of young artists of the Thespian Society, one of the most active, non-profitable, non-governmental Indian theatre group, fully devoted to performing arts. The stage presentation by the Thespian Society comprised plays entitled “Arrangement”, “Surgery”, “Governess” and “Seduction”, based on Anton Chekhov's short stories, directed by Mr. Raj Upadhyay and produced by Mr. Tushar Kapoor. The thematic contents of the plays demonstrated the power of writing of the great writer Anton Chekhov, and carried with them a strong message to the society. Welcoming the gathering, Mr. Gadzhi M. Akhmedov, Deputy Director, RCSC, said that it was indeed delightful to have the 150th birth anniversary of Anton Chekhov being marked appropriately with a stage performance and photo exhibition, adding that it was a solemn occasion to pay our humble homage to a brilliant man of letters of global repute. The Chief Guest of the function, Mr. Dinesh Khanna, Associate Professor, National School of Drama, underlined the literary merits of the all-time short story writer Anton Chekhov, whose writings have relevance even today as a source of inspiration to future generation. He referred to the masterpieces of the great Russian writers which would remain immortal for years to come such as “The Seagull”, “The Three Sisters”, “The Cherry Orchard”, “The Wedding”, “The Beer”, “Ivanov”, “The Wood Demon”, etc. Ms. Maria V. Frolova, Third Secretary, Embassy of the Russian Federation in India, proposed a vote of thanks and distributed Certificates of Merit to participants of the plays, and Mr. Tushar Kapoor and Mr. Raj Upadhyay, Producer and Director, respectively, of Thespian Society. She underscored the commendable performance by the young artists, and appreciated the efforts of the Society as a rich tribute to the outstanding Russian writer Anton Chekhov.

Indian students have spent “One Day in Russia” A Combined Function for school children learning Russian language “One Day in Russia” was held under the joint auspices of the Russian Centre of Science and Culture (RCSC) and the Springdales School at RCSC on July 12. The Combined Function comprised Photo Exhibition “Country of Riddles”, a lesson “Russian Language through Games” and screening of Russian Animation Films. Such functions enhance the popularity of Russian language in India and thereby make Russian-Indian cultural ties stronger. Dr. Girish Munjal, Director, Institute of Russian Language, RCSC, Ms. Yelena S. Shtapkina, Senior Executive and Programme Coordinator, and Ms. Tatyana Shipilova, Russian Language Teacher, Springdales School, Pusa Road, New Delhi attended the function.

Indian students share their impression on Russian course A four-member team of Indian students, which returned after completion of a four-month course in Russian language at the Pushkin Institute, Moscow, under a Russian Government scholarship, was unanimous in expressing that it was a wonderful experience and it definitely became a stepping stone to their future career. Ms. Nidhi Balachandran, Mr. Pratap Singh and Mr. Jitender Rathore, all from the Institute of Russian Language, Russian Centre of Science and Culture (RCSC), and Ms. Astha, Delhi University, constituted the team of Indian students, who shared their impression at a discussion “Learning Russian in Russia” at RCSC, 24, Ferozeshah Road, here today. Ms. Yelena S. Shtapkina, Senior Executive and Programme Coordinator, RCSC, and Dr. Girish Munjal, Director, Institute of Russian Language, RCSC, were present at the function. The students spoke high of the excellent hospitality extended to them during their stay, studies and travel. They organized “India Day”, which consisted of exhibition, food festival, dance and music under the cultural exchange programme to the great interest of Russian hosts. They proudly admitted that the basic course in Russian language, which they had in Delhi served them considerably to have a better grasp on various aspects of Russian language and literature during their course in Moscow.

Celebration of St. Peter and St. Fevroniya's Day at RCSC A Lecture-cum-Presentation on the “Day of the Blessed Spouses Peter and Fevroniya” from the series “Folk Customs and Holidays of Russia” was organized jointly by the Russian Centre of Science and Culture (RCSC) and the Institute of Russian Language at 24, Ferozeshah Road, here yesterday. The presentation was carried out by Ms. Yelana S. Shtapkina, Senior Executive and Programme Coordinator, RCSC. The Day of Family, Love and Fidelity was introduced at the initiative of the State Duma (the Lower House of the Federal Assembly, the Parliament of the Russian Federation). The initiative of celebrating this holiday is supported by all traditional religions organizations of Russia, as people of all religions can show examples of family fidelity and love. It is symbolical that the holiday was marked for the first time in 2008, which was declared “The Year of a Family in Russia”. The idea of the State holiday appeared in the City of Murom where hallows of sacred spouses of Peter and Fevroniya, patrons of Christian marriage are kept. Since 16th century, Christians mark their Memory Day on July 8. The biography of Peter and Fevroniya contains features, which traditional religions of Russia have always connected with a matrimony ideal, namely: piety, mutual love and fidelity, fulfillment of affairs of mercy and care about various needs of the fellow citizens. The new holiday carries with it a medal which is being handed over to married couples on July 8, and a very gently symbol—a chamomile. After the presentation, there was discussion on the demographic problems in Russia and India.

Third Meeting of “RIFMA” at RCSC The third monthly meeting of the Literary Club “RIFMA” (Rhyme) under the Institute of Russian Language in the Russian Centre of Science and Culture was held at RCSC on July 1. Students from the Institute of Russian Language, RCSC, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi University, Jamia Millia Islamia and Agra University took part in the meeting. The programme, guided and led by Dr. Girish Munjal, Director, Institute of Russian Language, comprised video and power-point presentation on different facets of Russian language and literature. The entire deliberations took place both in Russian and English. And the enthusiasm and response shown by the students testified to their increasing interest in Russian language, history and culture. Dr. Girish Munjal, through the power-point presentation, narrated Russian folklore and its classification, and the video clippings showed folk culture, traditions and customs. Ms. Natalia Gileva, Russian Language Teacher, in a lecture-cum-demonstration described various aspects of Russian fairy tales and their classifications. She also showed an animation film on Pushkin's fairy tale “A Story of a Fish and Fisherman”. A workshop that followed consisted of on-the-spot translation of Russian fairy tale “Masha and the Bear”. Mr. Sonu Saini, General Secretary of “RIFMA”, sharing his impression said: “The Literary Club “RIFMA” is a wonderful platform for the young students and lovers of Russian literature to get themselves acquainted with different aspects of the rich Russian literature. The forum provides the students immense opportunity to draw inspiration in mastering the Russian language and literature”.