International Women's Day Celebrated in New Delhi The festive evening on the occasion of the International Women's Day took place at the Russian Centre of Science and Culture in New Delhi on March 6. Russian Embassy, Indian Council of Humanitarian Relations and Delhi Association of Russian Compatriots jointly organized the celebration in honour of Indian and Russian women. The special guests of the event were the Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Dr. Sheikh Farooq Abdullah, elegant Maharani Ms Preneet Kaur, Minister of State for External Affairs, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to India, Mr. Alexander M. Kadakin, rising political star and Secretary of the All-India Congress Committee, Ms. Alka Lamba. In the concert hall, there were many high-ranking representatives of Indian public organizations, famous politicians, businessmen and cultural figures. Among the audiences the excited elegant women-laureates were easily recognized. On this day, they were to come onto the stage and accept felicitations and respectful words, memorable prizes “For the Best Achievements”. Speaking on the increasing role of Indian woman in all spheres of social life, Dr. Farooq Abdullah reminded that 59 out of 543 members of the lower chamber of Parliament belong to “beautiful gender”, and this is an absolute record ever since the Parliament has been existing. Moreover, he added, there is an assurance that women will get 1/3 of all the seats in the Parliament and State Assemblies after the next elections. At the same time, the Indian political veteran admitted, that the life of the majority of women in India still leaves much to be desired. He severely criticized the practice of the usage of modern medical achievements, which allows determining the sex of baby before birth and results in abortion of unwanted baby-girls. The Minister of State for External Affairs, Ms. Preneet Kaur, announced to the audience some good pre-holiday news. On March 8, the long-awaited legislation of women's rights protection will be submitted for approval in the Parliament. “The Enactment will be the best holiday-present for all Indian women”, she declared. Significantly, this time, the International Women's day will be celebrating its centenary. The Ambassador of Russia to India, Mr. Alexander M. Kadakin, after warmly greetinging the audience, paid rich tributes to the constellation of brilliant women of our countries, who left a large footprint on the sands of time: Mother Teresa and Sophia Tolstaya, Indira Gandhi and Valentina Tereshkova, Aruna Asaf Ali and Alexandra Kollontay, Sonia Gandhi and President of India, Smt. Pratibha Patil. And many other names are worth mentioning in this glorious line. The Director of the RCSC, Mr. Fyodor A. Rozovskiy, came onto the stage and sincerely congratulated and appreciated women's merits. According to him, during the last 45 years of existence of the Russian Centre of Science and Culture, women enthusiastically and efficiently teach dance, music, Russian language, and deserved great respect from Indian and Russian visitors of the Centre. Indian and Russian women-laureates walked onto the stage to an ovation- doctors and business - women, teachers and outstanding journalists, social workers and cultural figures. Elena Burman and Rupal Singha, Ekaterina Pokrovskaya and Prerna Kaul Mishra, Ganga Dadu and Galina Lyahova, Sonali Kochar, Aditi Lidhra and Shobha Rajan received felicitations from eminent guests, trying to hide into rose bouquets their faces flushed with shyness and pleasure. The performance by the students of the School of Russian Classical Ballet under the Russian Centre of Science and Culture was a beautiful conclusion to the festive evening, after that there was a traditional tea-party for all the guests.

Rich Tributes Paid to Russian Writer Alexander Belyayev Rich tributes were paid to the eminent Soviet author of science fiction Alexander Belyayev at a Literary Evening dedicated to his Birth Anniversary by speakers comprising noted Hindi poets, writers, critics and journalists. The function was jointly organized by RCSC and Parichay Sahitya Parishad . The Presentation made by Ms. Maria B. Pavlova, Deputy Director, RCSC, highlighted the life and literary career of Alexander Belyayev (1884-1942), who was a highly regarded figure in Soviet science fiction. His outstanding works are “Professor Dowell's Head, “Amphibian Man” (novel), “Ariel”, “The Air Seller” and “The Star KETs”. “Ariel” is a science fiction on India, which was made into film in 1992. Ms. Urmil Satyabhusha, President, Parichay Sahitya Parishad, was felicitated on her 70th birthday on the occasion by the gathering. Her book “Srijan Samagra” was released by the Chief Guest Dr. Krishna Murthy, Secretary, Sahitya Academy. Noted Hindi poets, writers, critics and journalists who paid glowing tributes to the Russian writer and underscored the significance of Indo-Russian cooperation in the field of language and literature with an emphatic note on the literary contributions of Russian writers included Padmasree Mr. Virendra Prabhakar, Dr. Sher Jung Garg, Mr. Radhey Syam Bandhu, Dr. Lekshmi Shankar Bajpai and others.

Russian “Dawn” over Southern Gates of India A two-week long Exhibition of Paintings by Russian artists, entitled “ZARYA” (Dawn), jointly organized by the Russian Centre of Science and Culture, New Delhi, and Vernissage Art Gallery, Cochin, with the creative support of Kerala Lalithakala Akademi, Thrichur, was opened by Mr. Fyodor A. Rozovskiy, Director, Russian Centre of Science and Culture, New Delhi, and Prof. Mercy Williams, Mayor, Corporation of Cochin, Chief Guest, at David Hall, Fort Cochin, Kerala, on February 27. The Painting Exhibition was held to mark the 75th Anniversary of the Serov Art School, Moscow. From around 90 paintings by Russian artists, 40 paintings are on display at the Exhibition, and 50 will be displayed at Trivandrum. The paintings are done by Russian artists such as Anatoliy Solovyov, Mansur Satarov, Daria Antonova, and Daniil Chepic. The elite, large gathering was earlier welcomed by Mr. Devadattan Nair, Vernissage Art Gallery, Cochin. The felicitations were offered by Mr. Jose Dominic, MD & CEO, CGH Earth, Mr. Anatoliy Solovyov, Deputy Director, Serov Art School, Moscow, Mr. Ratheesh C. Nair, Hon. Consul & Director, Russian Cultural Centre, Tiruvananthapuram, and Mr. Satyapal, Secretary, Kerala Lalalithakala Akademy, Thrichur. Mrs. Ambily Binu, Vernissage Art Gallery, Cochin, proposed a vote of thanks.

Russian “Day of Homeland Defender” Marked at Jamia Millia Islamia A Lecture-cum-Presentation, entitled “Nobody is Forgotten and Nothing is Forgotten”, by Ms. Susanna Grigorian, noted Historian, Teacher and Researcher, dedicated to the “Day of Homeland Defender” to mark the 65th Anniversary of the Victory Over Fascism in the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945) and organized by the Russian Centre of Science and Culture (RCSC) was held at the Jamia Millia Islamia, Okhla, New Delhi, on February 26. The function was attended by the teachers and students of Russian language of Jamia Millia Islamia. Ms. Susanna Grigorian addressed the elite gathering on the pre-condition, history and results of World War II with special emphasis on the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945). She made the lecture-cum-presentation with the aid of maps, documentary video, photographs and military songs so as to facilitate the understanding of the horrors of the War accompanied by the heroic exploits of the Russian Army and the supreme sacrifices of the people of the erstwhile Soviet Union. Ms. Sumana Jha, Teacher of Russian Language, Jamia Millia Islama, highly impressed with the presentation, said: “World War II has already been discussed at large many a time by students of world history and Russian language. But only now they could make a real assessment of the heavy price that the Soviet Army and the people of that country paid for the noble cause of victory over fascism with the result saving humanity. We would like to have a true-to-life picture of that dreadful phase in the history of mankind, but it is hardly possible now. On the internet, unfortunately, one cannot find a single Russian presentation on WW II in its English version.” After the lecture, the students took part in a Quiz on the history of World War II, prepared by Ms. Yelena S. Shtapkina, Senior Executive and Programme Coordinator, RCSC. In response to the request from students, Ms. Susanna Grigorian will revisit Jamia Millia Islamia in the near future on a lecture-cum-presentation mission, of course with the screening of the film “The Dawns are Quiet Here”.

Rich Tributes Paid to Russian Army Rich tributes were paid to the Russian Army at a function, entitled “The Glory of the Russian Army” dedicated to the “Day of Homeland Defender”, marking the 65th Anniversary of the Victory over Fascism in the Great Patriot War (1941-1945). The function was jointly organized by RCSC and the Office of the Military Air and Naval Attache, Embassy of the Russian Federation. The photos displayed at the Exhibition, opened on the occasion demonstrated the supreme sacrifices and heroic deeds of the Russian Army. Opening the Photo Exhibition, the Chief Guest, Air Marshal (Retd.) Ravi Kant Srivastava, said that it was thanks to the heroic deeds and supreme sacrifices made by the Soviet Red Army that the Allied Forces could achieve victory in World War II—the Great Patriotic War to the Russian people--defeating Germany thereby putting an end to the fascist threat to mankind for ever. Citing his personal experience, he threw light on the operational superiority of Russian military equipment and the unreserved support and assistance that the former Soviet Union and later Russia extended to India to make the country's defence strong. Earlier, welcoming the gathering, Mr. Sergey Isaev, Deputy Director (Science and Technology), RCSC, noted that the contributions made by the Russian Army during the Great patriotic War went a long way in not only defending their homeland, but also sustaining the security of humanity from global threats. The annual celebration of the Day on February 23 every year is aimed at keeping alive the memory of the first successful fighting against the German Imperial Army near Petrograd 92 years ago in 1918 during the Civil War in Russia, Mr. Isaev added. Addressing the gathering, Lt. Col. Denis Shkoda, Representative of the Office of the Military, Air and Naval Attache, Embassy of the Russian Federation in India, said that the Photo Exhibition appropriately manifests, to the intense interest of the present generation, the real gravity of the hardship that the Soviet people and the army passed through during the crucial days of the Great Patriotic War. Describing the indefatigable fighting spirit of the Russian Army, the Guest of Honour, Lt. Col (Retd.) B. S. Sharma, former Chief Coordinator of the Russian Festival in India, pointed out that it was the Soviet Armed Forces which broke the brunt of Hitler's German war machinery, a universally recognized fact in world history, resulting in a shameful defeat to the Axis Forces, in the process routing out fascism and Nazism. He narrated in detail the exploits of the Soviet Red Army at different war theatres during World War II in which the Indian Army also took part in the operations side by side with the Allied Forces. Mr. K. L. Malhotra, General Secretary, Indian Council for Human Relations, lauded the commendable achievements of the Russian Army both during the crisis period and peace time with special reference to the significant bilateral cooperation in defence. Mrs. Purnima Anand, General Secretary, International Federation of Indo-Russian Youth Clubs, proposed a vote of thanks.

Photo Exhibition “Islam in Russia” Opens at India Islamic Cultural Centre A week-long Photo Exhibition on “Islam in Russia” by noted Russian Photo Artist Ildar Yambikov, jointly organized by the RCSC and India Islamic Cultural Centre, was opened at 87-88, Lodi Road, New Delhi. The photos displayed at the Exhibition showed different facets of spiritual Islamic institutions, religious congregations, landmark Mosques in Russia. The function was attended by Mr. Andrei A. Sorokin, Minister-Counsellor, Embassy of the Russian Federation in India, Mr. Sirajuddin Qureshi, President, India Islamic Cultural Centre, Mr. Safdar H. Khan, Vice-President, India Islamic Cultural Centre, Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, Secretary-General, All-India Organization of Imams of Mosques, Mr. Sergey V. Karmalito, Senior Counsellor, Embassy of the Russian Federation in India, and Mr. Gadzhi M. Akhmedov, Deputy Director, RCSC, and an elite gathering of Islamic scholars, artists, educationists, media men and others. Welcoming the gathering Mr. Safdar H. Khan, Vice President, India Islamic Cultural Centre, said that the fascinating photo exhibition demonstrates the warm religious and aesthetic ambience existing in Russia to be imbibed by the general public of our country. Felicitating the artist Mr. I. Yambikov, he thanks the RCSC for organizing the exhibition. Mr. Ildar Yambikov, sharing his impression and experience, said that he is proud enough to showcase his photographic work before the enterprising and dynamic people of India in its gracious capital. Opening the Photo-Exhibition, Mr. Andrei A. Sorokin, Minister-Counsellor, the Chief Guest, conveyed the best wishes from H. E. Mr. Alexander M. Kadakin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to India, and expressed his inability to attend the ceremony as he was preoccupied with the preparation on the forthcoming official visit of Mr. Vladimir V. Putin, Prime Minister of Russian Federation. Mr. A.A. Sorokin noted that the solemn occasion provides a precious opportunity to have glimpses of the creative works of art by the brilliant photo-artist Mr. Ildar Yambikov, for whom the themes of universal creation and spiritual unity have become topics of crucial importance. He pointed out that Islam is currently the second most widely professed religion in the Russian Federation with an estimated 20 million devotees representing up to 15 per cent of the population. Today, the Government of Russian Federation is offering Muslims more freedom; Pilgrimage to Mecca has considerably increased since the end of the Soviet era, he added. The Exhibition with all its artistic, aesthetic, spiritual and religious glory, will offer a panoramic view of the stature and status of Islam in Russia to the immense interest of its viewers thereby fulfilling the noble cause of consolidating the cultural bond and friendly ties between the peoples of Russia and India, Mr. Sorokin concluded. The Special Guest of Honour, Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, Secretary-General, All-India Organization of Imams of Mosques, appreciated the gesture of the organizers of the Exhibition enabling the viewers to have sufficient knowledge on Islam in Russia keeping in mind universal brotherhood, peace and harmony. Mr. Anees Durrani, Trustee, India Islamic Cultural Centre, proposed a vote of thanks.

45th Anniversary of RCSC Marked To mark the 45th Anniversary of the Russian Centre of Science and Culture (RCSC) a Seminar “Russian-Indian Friendship and Cooperation—The Role of RCSCs in Strengthening People's Diplomacy” was held at 24, Ferozeshah Road on February 18. Jointly organized with the Indian Association of Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Unity International Foundation, attended by an elite gathering, the Seminar was addressed by dignitaries from different institutions closely associating with the RCSC for decades. A Photo Exhibition, featuring the events on the multifarious activities of RCSC, by Russian Photo Artist V. Kondakov, Moscow, dedicated to the 45th Anniversary of RCSC, was also opened on the occasion. Mr. R. N. Anil, Secretary-General, Unity International Foundation, who conducted the proceeding of the Seminar, described the RCSC as the unique symbol of Indo-Russian friendship and cooperation standing tall in the majestic capital of our country. Making emphatic reference to the commendable activities undertaken by the benign Cultural Centre towards significantly contributing to the consolidation of cultural bond between the two peoples and countries and promotion of people's diplomacy, Mr. Krishnan Raghunath, Former Foreign Secretary to Government of India and Former Indian Ambassador to Russia, noted that the change of governments and difference in political systems notwithstanding, Russia always remained to be a genuine friend and a trusted partner, realizing and fulfilling Indo-Russian relations ideal and unique. Tracing the background of bilateral ties spanning a wide range of areas which enabled India to strengthen its infrastructure, he said that India has always been in the top priority in Russia's foreign policy perception. Earlier welcoming the gathering, Mr. Fyodor A. Rozovskiy, Director, RCSC, threw light on the genesis, background and the broad spectrum of cultural activities taking place at the Centre with the sincere cooperation of various dynamic clubs, associations, etc., and inspiring support of the people from all walks of life in the Capital city of New Delhi. He referred to the participation of Mr. F. M. Muhametshin, and Mr. Alexander Chesnokov, Head and Deputy Head, respectively, of ROSSOTRUDNICHESTVO (Federal Agency for CIS Affairs, Russian Compatriots Abroad and International Humanitarian Cooperation), in the function to be organized at RCSC next month.. Referring to the appreciable functioning of the RCSC, Mr. S.S. Chaman, Secretary-General, Indian Association of Friendship with Foreign Countries, stressed the need of diversifying the activities of the Centre to reach out to the people far and wide. Describing the RCSC as a monumental institution bringing the peoples of India and Russia and considerably promoting people's diplomacy, Major Dalbir Singh, Secretary, AICC, emphasized on intensifying the efforts to promote further understanding between the peoples of two countries. In an appreciating assessment on the status quo of Russian language and literature in India, Prof. Ramadhikari Kumar, Special Advisor to the Vice-Chancellor, JNU, President, Indian Association of Teachers of Russian Language and Literature (INDAPRYAL), said that India is the only country, after Russia, where Russian has the strongest base in its comprehension by the people. Lauding the efforts of RCSC in this regard, he called for more and more efforts to pursue the learning of Russian language and literature. Hailing the significant role played by the RCSC in cementing the cultural ties between the peoples of both countries, Mr. Sergei V. Karmalito, Senior Counsellor, Embassy of the Russian Federation in India, said that the friendship between the peoples of the two countries is an extraordinary example for the world community. He conveyed the best wishes and felicitations from Mr. Andrei A. Sorokin, Minister-Counsellor, Embassy of the Russian Federation in India, as he was not in a position to attend the function, being preoccupied with the preparation on the official visit of Russian Prime Minister Mr. Vladimir Putin next month. In his Presidential address, Dr. Bhishma Narayan Singh, Former Union Minster and Governor, President, Unity International Foundation, made an admiring account on the achievements and contributions made by the RCSC which could be proud of holding colourful functions on historical events and momentous visits made by eminent personalities such as Mrs. Indira Gandhi, Mr. Mikhail Gorbachev, Mrs. Ludmila Putina, and others. Mr. Jasbir Nischal, Secretary, Indian Association of Friendship with Foreign Countries, proposed a vote of thanks.

DAASAI Meeting Marks 50th Anniversary of PFUR In a meeting “Russian-Indian Cooperation in Education and Science”, jointly organized by the RCSC and the Delhi Alumni Association of Soviet-Russian Academic Institutions (DAASAI), dedicated to the 50th Anniversary of the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (PFUR), its members shared their nostalgic memories of their educational life and stay in that country which they described as the second homeland. Mr. Sergei Karmalito, Senior Counsellor, Embassy of the Russian Federation in India, who addressed the gathering representing the Chief Guest Mr. Andrei A. Sorokin, Minister-Counsellor, Embassy of the Russian Federation in India, said that because of preoccupations, Mr. A. A. Sorokin was unable to attend the meeting and hence conveyed his best wishes for the success of the meeting. He said that Mr. A. A. Sorokin is always appreciative of the commendable services and contributions of DAASAI members with whom he has always been closely associated. Earlier, Prof. Shankar Basu, President, DAASAI, welcoming the gathering noted that it is very exciting to meet the members of DAASAI and share the impressions. In his address, Mr. Gadzhi M. Akhmedov, Deputy Director, RCSC, said that the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia is one of the leading state higher educational institutions of Russia, and it is a renowned research centre well known both in Russia and abroad. More than 72 thousand graduates of the University work in 170 countries, among them more than 5200 holders of Ph. D and doctorate degrees, he added. Many University graduates are prominent state and public figures in their countries, head of companies, educational and scientific organization in Russia, CIS, as well as countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America. Dr. Jaspal Sokhey, Alumni (1962-1972), a prominent vaccicologist, recounting her days at the PFUR pointed out that it was thanks to the University what she is today. Dr. Zoya Zaidi, Alumni (1970-1976), a noted rheumatologist, said that the life in PFUR is always memorable in the sense that the student community representing the cross-section of the world got the experience of universal brotherhood and humaneness. Mr. Sukirat Anand, Alumni (1974-1980), a writer, readout a chapter from the book he wrote on his experience, which demonstrated the indelible impression he had and the inspiration he drew during his studies in the PFUR. Mr. Aakshat Sinha, Alumni (1991-1998) presented a painting he made, which was unveiled by Mr. Sergei Karmalito. The meeting was followed by an impressive concert, presented by the members of DAASAI. The programme consisted of Chorus Song, Folk Dance, Russian Song, Dance, Poetry Recital, Qawali, etc.

The two-day celebration of "Days of Russian Language, Literature and Culture", dedicated to the Annual Day of the Institute of Russian Language and the 45th Anniversary of the Russian Centre of Science and Culture (RCSC) concluded at 24, Ferozeshah Road, here, yesterday. The entire programme was conceived, designed and organized by Dr. Girish Munjal, Director, Institute of Russian Language, RCSC, with the support of the teaching staff of the Institute and Ms. Yelena S. Shtapkina, Senior Executive and Programme Coordinator, RCSC. The function was held with the full cooperation of the Russian Embassy and the Russian Embassy School. The day's programme started with the Essay Competition on "Russia in My Life" and Painting Competition on "Russia on Canvas", in which 35 and 25 Russian language students, respectively, from Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Jamia Millia Islamia and the Institute of Russian Language, RCSC, and children of Russian Compatriots took part. This was followed by the Poetry Recitation Competition, at which Ms. Aditi Nigum from the Institute of Russian Language bagged the first prize. The screening of Russian movie "Vovochka" went on well with the greater interest of teachers and students. Interesting, scholarly and thought-provoking papers were presented by Ms. Tatyana Perova, Director, Institute of Russian Language, Chennai, Ms. Tatyana Dubyanskaya, Teacher and Hindi Language Expert, Ms. Yelena Aksyonova, "Sistema", and Dr. Girish Munjal, Director, Institute of Russian Language, at the Seminar on Foreign Language Teaching, entitled "Teaching Foreign Languages: Challenges and Perspective" for Teachers and Scholars of Foreign Languages, Literature and Culture. Succeeding the Seminar, a Language Workshop, titled "Creating 'Mini-Russia' in The Russian Language Class": Master-Classes on various aspects of Russian Language, Literature and Culture in Russian Languages Class, took place, at which the Teacher, Galina Golikova, conducted a Master Class in a brilliant manner to the greater benefit of students of Russian language. The programme concluded with a Gala Concert by the students and teachers of the Russian language, supplemented with an impressive performance by Alexander Ryzhenkov and Irina, professional artists of the Folk Dance and Song Group "Zhivaya Rus". In all, the two-day deliberations synchronizing with the festivities went a long way in successfully inculcating the very essence and spirit of Russian language, literature and culture in the minds of students.

The two-day celebration of "Days of Russian Language, Literature and Culture", dedicated to the Annual Day of the Institute of Russian Language (IRL) and the 45th Anniversary of the Russian Centre of Science and Culture (RCSC) took off in a festive atmosphere replete with a variety of programmes comprising Olympiads on Russian language and culture, seminars on foreign-language teaching, workshops, gala concerts, poetry-recitation, essay-writing and painting competitions, film shows, plays, etc., with the participation of students of the IRL of the RCSC at 24, Ferozeshah Road, here yesterday. Dr. Girish Munjal, Director, IRL, conceived and directed the entire programme with the assistance and cooperation of the teaching staff of the Institute and Ms. Yelena S. Shtapkina, Senior Executive and Programme Coordinator, RCSC. The inaugural ceremony was marked by Russian folk dance, Russian music, folk games, tug-of-war, etc., in which the students of IRL and students of Russian language from other schools took part in a euphoric mood. The function was reminiscent of the popular Russian festival "Maslenitsa", Pancake Week, meaning bidding goodbye to winter and welcoming spring. The function was organized with the full cooperation of the Russian Embassy and the Russian Embassy School. In the poetry-recitation competition meant for school students, DPS, Dwaraka, won the first prize. The other schools took part were the Springdales School, Pusa Road, Blue Bells International. In the painting competition, DPS, Dwaraka, won both the first and second prizes. The third prize was bagged by the Spingdales School, Pusa Road. In the Olympiad 2010 on Russian Language and Culture for university and institute students, the first prize was won by IRL, second prize by Delhi University North Campus and third prize by Dayal Singh College and DPS, Dwaraka. The day's programme concluded with the brilliant presentation of A. N. Ostrovskiy's Play "A Dream on a Holiday-Before Lunchtime. Pictures from Moscow Life" by the students of the Russian Embassy School.

120th Birth Anniversary of Boris Pasternak Marked at RCSC Speakers at a Literary Evening titled “The Knight of Russian Poetry”, dedicated to the 120th Birth Anniversary of Boris Pasternak, jointly organized by the RCSC and Parichay Sahitya Parishad, paid glowing tributes to eminent Russian/Soviet poet, novelist and translator. The multimedia presentation made by Mrs. Maria B. Pavlova, Deputy Director, RCSC, highlighted the life and literary career of Boris Pasternak (10.02. 1890---30.05. 1960), an all-time legend in the world of literature cutting across all barriers. He is credited with the translation of the works of Goethe and Shakespeare into Russian. His 20th century Nobel-Prize winning novel Doctor Zhivago is a tragedy, the events of which span the last period of Russian Empire and early days of Soviet Union. He declined the Nobel Prize for Literature which he won in 1958 under intense pressure from Soviet authorities. Jawaharlal Nehru's direct talk to Khrushchev saved Boris Pasternak from exile or imprisonment. Translated into 18 world languages, Doctor Zhivago is the story of life and loves of a poet/physician during the turmoil of the Russian Revolution. Led by Ms. Urmil Satyabhushan, Hindi and Urdu poets of repute such Ms. Seemab Sultanpuri, Mr. Bishan Lal, Mr. Sudhakar Khoba, Dr. Archana Tripathi, Ms. Namita Rakesh, Ms. Ashima Kaul, Mr. Ravinder Ravi, and others, lauded the significant literary contributions of Boris Pasternak who always remained a source of inspiration for writers and poets across the world. Earlier, the gathering expressed the condolence at the demise of Ms. Shail Saxena, Hindi poetess.

Russian Indologist on Russian People's Vision of India Prior to the landmark visit to India by the Russian merchant and first Russian traveler to India, Afanasy Nikitin, in the 15th century, the people of Russia had knowledge about India through fairy tales, and following this historic visit it was through trade contacts that the Indian merchants made that the people of Russia acquired more knowledge about India. This was the impression shared by Ms. Evgenia Yu Vanina, noted Indologist and Leading Research Scholar, Centre for Indian Studies, Institute of Oriental Studies, Moscow, while delivering a lecture at the Delhi University on February 6, 2010, organized jointly with the Russian Centre of Science and Culture. The Russian Indologist in her impressive lecture focused on the Russian people's vision of India with an emphatic note on how they perceived India over a period during the last century as well as in the present-day-phase in the social, political, economic and cultural points of view. Mrs. Maria B. Pavlova, Deputy Director, RCSC, participated in the function. Towards of end of the 18th century, Gerasim Lebedev, founder of Indian National Theatre in Calcutta, significantly contributed to the development of Indo-Russian cultural relations, Ms. Evgenia Yu Vanina noted. She continued saying that Gerasim Lebedev studied many Indian languages, including Sanskrit, Hindi and Bengali, and published a number of books on scientific level. Owing to his distinguished literary works, India became a subject of scientific study for the Russian scholars, providing a ground for further studies in future to the benefit of the peoples of both countries. During the Soviet period, the people of Russia provided immense support for the people of India fighting for independence, ultimately liberating themselves from the yoke of colonial rule. The present generation, according to the Russian Indologist, has the impression of India through Bollywood movies. She stressed that the people of Russia need to be motivated to have an objective assessment of the social conditions, political evolutions, economic development, and the culture and tradition of India through the hard and sincere efforts of different institutions, particularly the media.

150th Birth Anniversary of Anton P. Chekhov Marked in Delhi Rich tributes were paid to famous Russian short-story writer and playwright, Anton Pavlovich Chekhov, and his noteworthy literary contributions were hailed at a function “In Chekhov' Memory”, jointly organized by the RCSC, Dayal Singh College, Delhi University, and the Institute of Russian Language on February 4, 2010. Students of Russian languages of three colleges under the Delhi University took part in the function, dedicated to the 150th Birth Anniversary of Anton P. Chekhov. The multi media presentation made by Ms. Yelena S. Shtapkina, Senior Executive and Programme Coordinator, RCSC, highlighted the life and literary career of the great Russian writer. An exhibition dedicated to Anton Chekhov was also held on the occasion. Ms. Yelena S. Shtapkina engaged the students with a quiz programme on the Russian writer in which the students showed great interest and response. Prizes were distributed to those who scored higher marks in the question-answer session. This is the first function of this nature, and several function of this sort such as literary evenings, book exhibitions will be held during the year. Dr. Girish Munjal, Director, Institute of Russian Language, dwelt upon compute programmes related to Russian language teaching as per the request of students at the function. Anton Pavlovich Chekhov, was a Russian short story writer, playwright and physician, and is considered to be one of the greatest short story writers in the history of world literature. He had severe hardships during his childhood. In 1879 he entered the medical school of Moscow University. He had written stories first for money, but as his artistic ambition grew, he made formal innovations which have influenced the evolution of modern short story. His originality consists in an early use of the stream of consciousness technique, later adopted by James Joyce and other modernists, combined with a disavowal off the moral finality of traditional story structure. He completed his medical studies in 1884 and practiced medicine intermittently for several years while continuing to publish stories. Despite the success of his literary career, Chekhov felt guilty about neglecting medicine. During the 6000-mile journey across Siberia to Sakhalin Island, he made a thorough study of the social, economic and medical conditions of the Russian settlers and native population. Between 1896 and 1903, he wrote plays that established his reputation as one of the great dramatists of modern times---The Seagull (1896), Uncle Vanya (1897), Three Sisters (1901) and The Cherry Orchard (1904). By May 1904, Chekhov was terminally ill with tuberculosis, and on July 2 he died.

5th Anniversary of Art School of the Russian Centre of Science and Culture celebrated Annual Painting Exhibition “Our Latest Achievements” by the students of this prestigious school was opened to mark the 5th Anniversary of the Art School of RCSC, a week long. More than eighty glittering painting by tiny tots are on display in this exhibition. The entire prize wining paintings and others was presented with the certificates of merit by the Chief Guest Prof. Prem Singh, Former Principal of College of Art (Chandigarh). Describing the works of the small children of the school, the Chief Guest showed high praise for the quality of work by the students and he added that the Art School is doing a pioneering job by giving training to the Indian, Russian and other children in a very professional way, thus making them future artists of eminence. Speaking on the occasion the Guest of Honour, the Cultural Attaché of the Russian Embassy Ms. Daria Razanova, mentioned that the Art School of RCSC is contributing in a different way towards strengthening the long-existing and on-going cultural bonds between not only grown up peoples of the Russia and India, but also the young generation of the two countries. She had a very high praise for the exhibits. Earlier, welcoming the guests Ms. Yelena Stapikna, Executive Secretary and Programme Coordinator of the RCSC, briefed the audience about the history of the Art School and told that how it progressed with a small number of students to a quite a good number attending classes here. Ms. Ekaterina Pokrovkaya, the teacher of the Art School, expressed grate satisfaction with the response of the students and also thank the parents for extending their full fledged support in running the school.

Heroes of Leningrad Blockade Remembered The Heroes of Leningrad Blockade was remembered at a function to mark the 65th Anniversary of the Victory over Fascism in the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945) at the RCSC. At the function, jointly organized with the Eurasian Foundation, Jawaharlal Nehru University, a Photo Exhibition, depicting the horrors of the war, was inaugurated, followed by the screening of a documentary film “Ordinary Fascism”. Addressing the gathering, Prof. Arun Mohanty, Director, Eurasian Foundation, JNU, the Chief Guest, said that the sacrifices and sufferings underwent by the people of Leningrad has no parallel in history, and the 900-day long siege lasting till January 27, 1944 demonstrates the most crucial phase of the Great Patriotic War, liberating the world from the menace of fascism and Nazism once and for all thanks to the heroic deeds of the Red Army and the supreme sacrifices of the Soviet people. He pointed out that the erstwhile Soviet Union had the shockingly heaviest human toll of more than 27 million in the war. Earlier, in her welcome address, Mrs. Maria B. Pavlova, Deputy Director, RCSC, said that the Blockade of Leningrad during the war is a painful memory for older generation of Russia, adding that the great sacrifices and sufferings of the people have a pride of place in the history of Russia. Captain 2nd Rank Evgeniy Y. Antipov, Assistant Military, Air and Naval Attache, Embassy of the Russian Federation in India, paid glowing tributes to those who sacrificed their valuable lives at the altar of the service of the nation during the Great Patriotic War. He noted that the photos displayed at the Exhibition rightly conveyed the genuinely alarming magnitude of the war. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Dmitry Chelyshev, Counsellor, Press and Culture, Embassy of the Russian Federation in India, referred to the dreadful human toll and immense material damage incurred by the erstwhile Soviet Union. The Photo Exhibition is a convincing proof of the gruesome phase in Russian history, he added.

RCSC Marks 60th Anniversary of Republic Of India A Gala Function “India-Russia: The Colours of Friendship”, dedicated to the 60th Anniversary of Republic of India, jointly organized by the Russian Centre of Science and Culture (RCSC) and International Federation of Indo-Russian Youth Clubs (IFIRYC), was organized at RCSC (24, Ferozeshah Road) on January 22. Attended by an elite gathering, the function was followed by a colourful cultural programme. Acknowledging the gesture of RCSC in marking this landmark event in the history of India, the Chief Guest, Mr. Harish Rawat, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, 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 the official visit of Russian Prime Minister Mr. Vladimir Putin in March this year. Earlier, welcoming the gathering, Mr. Fyodor A. Rozovskiy, Director, RCSC, referring to the Republic Day of India as a significant day in the life of the country, noted that India has a pride of place in the hearts and minds of the people of Russia, which pays due reverence on this auspicious occasion to the great leaders, thanks to whose sacrifice and suffering India won independence and became an Independent, Sovereign Republic. He said that the “Year of Russia in India” and the “Year of India in Russia” enabled bringing the peoples of both countries much closer acquiring more knowledge about each other's history and culture. Addressing the gathering, the Guest of Honour, Mr. Sergey V. Karmalito, Senior Counsellor, 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, with every passing year, is literally an ideal role model in international relations, apt to be emulated by world nations. 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, he added. Mrs. Purnima Anand, General Secretary, IFIRYC, proposed a vote of thanks. The official part of the function was followed by a Cultural Programme presented by the students of the School of Russian Classical Ballet, RCSC, and the Song and Drama Division of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. Some Indian and Russian personalities were honoured for their valuable contribution towards strengthening of Indo-Russian relations.

Glowing Tributes Paid to Vladimir Vysotskiy Glowing tributes were paid to an outstanding talent of XX century, Vladimir Vysotskiy, well-known Russian poet, bard and actor at a function, jointly organized by the Russian Centre of Science and Culture (RCSC) and Institute of Russian Language at RCSC on January 20. Dr. Girish Munjal, Director, Institute of Russian Language, recited a poem penned by Vladimir Vysotskiy in its English version, followed by students in the Russian version, as a mark of respect to the memory of the great Russian poet, bard and actor, who is still a source of literary and artistic inspiration to hundreds of thousands of people in Russia and abroad. Ms. Yelena S. Shtapkina, Senior Executive and Programme Coordinator, RCSC, made a multi-media presentation featuring the life and career of Vladimir Vysotskiy (1938—1980). An iconic Russian singer, song-writer, poet and actor, the artistic and literary career of Vladimir Vysotskiy had has an immense and enduring effect on Russian culture. Though his work was largely ignored by the official Soviet cultural establishment, he achieved remarkable fame during his life-time, and to this day exerts significant influence on many of Russia's popular musicians and actors who wish to emulate his iconic status. Born in Moscow, Vladimir started his education 1955 in the Moscow Institute of Civil Engineering, but before completion entered the acting career 1959 joining the Pushkin Theatre. In 1964, he joined the Moscow Theatre of Drama and took up leading roles. Around this time, he appeared in several films. Later his music became available to the masses and his unique singing style and lyrics won great popularity. He gained official recognition as a theatre and film actor. In spite of his successful acting career, Vladimir continued to make a living with his concert tours across the country. He died in Moscow at the age of 42 of heart failure. He was posthumously awarded the title Meritorious Artist of the Soviet Union. The best-known songs and poems about his life and death written by Russian bards are “Letter to Vysotskiy” by Yuri Vizhor and “About Volodya Vysotskiy” by Bulat Okudzhava. Every year, on his birthday, festivals are held throughout Russia and in many communities throughout the world, particularly in Europe. His impact in Russia is often compared to that of Bob Dylan in America. The poet accompanied himself on a Russian guitar with an intense voice singing ballads of love, peace, war and everyday Soviet life. He had the ring of honesty and truth, with an ironic and sometimes sarcastic touch. Vysotskiy is often billed as the “Russian Elvis” due to his iconic status as a pop entertainer.

Lecture by Svetlana Ryzhakova at Jamia Millia Islamia In an enlightening lecture at the Jamia Millia Islamia in the Capital on January 18, 2010, addressing a gathering of students of Russian language and other faculties, Svetlana Ryzhakova, Senior Researcher, Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology, Russian Academy of Science, dwelt at length upon the culture and religion of Russia. The function was jointly organized by the Russian Centre of Science and Culture (RCSC) and Jamia Millia Islamia, Okhla, New Delhi. Mrs. Maria B. Pavlova, Deputy Director, RCSC, introduced the Russian expert to the gathering. Ms. Sonya Surabhi Gupta, Director, Centre for European and Latin American Studies, and Dr. Sumana Jha, Russian Expert, Jamia Millia Islamia, who organized the lecture, also were present on the occasion. Svetlana Ryzhakova spoke on several religious confessions in Russia and their history and the contemporary picture of confessions in Russia, particularly about the Russian Orthodox Church. She showed presentations dedicated to the Russian icons and traditional holidays such as Ester, Christmas, etc. She answered questions posed by students on different aspects of religion in Russia, especially on the history of adoption of Orthodox Christianity by ancient Russia. Svetlana Ryzhakova also discussed Islam in modern Russia, as a result of which the students could get glimpses of the present situation in her country in the religions point of view, and the cultural tendencies occuring in Russia.

Indian Students at RCSC Mark Russian New Year CelebrationsStudents at the Institute of Russian Language (IRL) of the RCSC, along with their teachers, today marked the Russian Winter Holidays, dedicated to the old-style Russian New Year Celebrations. The students in a quite hilarious mood showed active involvement in the function comprising a Lecture-cum-Presentation by Dr. Girish Munjal, Director, Institute of Russian Language (IRL), which mainly focused on the various facets and vicissitudes of Russian winter in literature. Interestingly enough, a major highlight of the programme was foretelling future in Russian style in various ways, for instance, by means mirror, candles, books, and through the process of throwing gum-boots, etc., under the proper guidance of Dr. Girish Munjal, Ms. Elena Shtapkina, Senior Executive and Programme Coordinator, RCSC, and Ms. Yelena Ivechenko, Teacher, IRL. In a way, the entire proceeding took the participants of the function to the nostalgic memory of ancient New Year Celebrations in Russia passing through the joyous winter holidays heralding a prosperous New Year for the people desiring to fulfill their hopes and aspirations, all along creating a momentous atmosphere of warmth, goodwill, brotherhood, peace and harmony.

Conference of Russian Language Teachers Charts Programmes For 2010 The First Conference of the Russian Language Teachers of Universities and Schools of Delhi, organized jointly by the Russian Centre of Science and Culture and Institute of Russian Language here yesterday, discussed and charted the programmes for cooperation in the teaching of Russian language, literature and culture for the year 2010. Besides teachers from the Institute of Russian Language, RCSC, teachers of Russian language from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi University, Jamia Milia Islamia, D. P. S., Dwarka, Springdales, Pusa Road and Daula Kuan, Bluebells International, etc., who took part in the Conference, expressed their ideas and made suggestions while contemplating on planning programmes for the year keeping in mind the priority on the promotion of Russian language, literature and culture, as also adding variety on the improvement of teaching. Ms. Yelena S. Shtapkina, Senior Executive and Programme Coordinator, RCSC, dwelt at length upon the multifarious activities pertaining to the teaching of Russian language, literature and culture in the institutes functioning under the RCSCs in Bombay, Calcutta, Madras and Trivandrum. She expressed the willingness of organizing various Olympiads at centres all over the country during the year for the students both at beginners' level and advanced level. She also referred to the declaration of 2010 as the “Year of Teacher” by the Russian Federation. Dr. Girish Munjal, Director, Institute of Russian Language, in the course of his observation, discussed the modalities in making a comprehensive plan for the year under review aimed at achieving the best results out of the students in the process of promoting Russian language and culture among the people of India. He noted that competition will be held to select the “best and young teacher of Russian language of the year 2010”. Dr. Ajay Karnati, JNU, Ms, Neelaqkshi, DU, Ms. Nazgul Abalova, Institute of Russian Language, and Ms. Tatyana, Springdales, are among the Russian language teachers who made an assessment on the progress of Russian language studies in the Indian institutions and made creative suggestions contributing to its all-round promotion.

III All-India Conference of Russian Comaptriots at RCSC The III All-India Conference of Russian Compatriots, jointly organized by RCSC and Delhi Association of Russian Compatriots (DARC) was held on December 29 Almost ninety Russian Compatriots attended the conference to discuss their activities, problems, and share their experience. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Fyodor A. Rozovskiy, Director, RCSC, said that the multifarious activities carried out by DARC are broadly aimed at realizing the welfare of Russian compatriots residing in different places across the country. Responding questions posed by compatriots, Mr. V. Pronin, Consular Head of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in India, clarified that problems pertaining to legal documents, issues connected with citizenship, etc., would be amicably met with and settled. He noted that his department is always ready to offer suitable help and guidance to facilitate the comfortable stay of Russian compatriots. Subscribing to what the earlier speakers said, Mr. Mikhail Snopko, First Secretary, Embassy of the Republic of Belarus, pointed out that all possible help and assistance would be provided to the compatriots. Ms. Elena Barman, President, DARC, who conducted the proceeding of the ceremony, felicitated the heads and teachers of the School of Russian Classical Ballet, Institute of Russian Language, Art School and Piano School. On the occasion, two compatriots received financial assistance from the Russian Embassy. The official part of the function was followed by a cultural programme presented by the compatriots' children.

Russian Children Mark New Year at RCSC Russian children marked the traditional New Year celebrations with pomp and splendour at a function, jointly organized by the RCSC and the Delhi Association of Russian Compatriots. The spectacular programme was attended by an elite gathering of Russian children, their parents, Russian compatriots, and others. Students of Russian Embassy School at Chanakyapuri in the Capital were mainly the participants of a variety of cultural items presented during the celebrations. Children of Russian compatriots based in Delhi and students of the School of Russian Classical Ballet, RCSC, also took part in the programme. Attired in colourful, traditional costumes, these budding artists full of energy and enthusiasm proudly presented dance numbers involving in different formations around the Christmas Tree, synchronized with music, in all appropriately adopted from Russian fairy tales. The New Year song and dance found new expression in the presentation of innocent children, which rendered itself as a feast for the eyes of the elders present around. The rhythm of music and dance to the accompaniment of standing ovation rented in the air. The children received attractive gifts from Russian Santa Claus, who, called in Russian, Ded Moroz, accompanied by his grand daughter, called in Russian, Snegurochka, entertained them consistently keeping them in good humour.

Gala Concert to Mark “New Year” A colourful and spectacular Gala Concert, dedicated to the celebration of the forthcoming New Year, jointly organized by the RCSC and International Federation of Indo-Russian Youth Clubs, attracted a large gathering. The fabulous display of talents of youth in music and dance with incredible energy and enthusiasm marked the celebrations spread over a variety of items presented by students, Institute of Russian Language, RCSC, School of Russian Classical Ballet, RCSC, and Indian Art Groups. And the elite gathering comprising artists, students, parents, diplomats, educationists, overwhelmed with the captivating shows, gave standing ovations from time to time in recognition to the artistic performance of budding artists, both Indian and Russian. Welcoming the gathering, Mrs. Maria B. Pavlova, Deputy Director, RCSC, acknowledged the activities of the International Federation of Indo-Russian Youth Clubs and expressed the satisfaction of the successful marking of the “Year of India in Russia” and the “Year of Youth in Russia” at a time when we bid adieu to 2009 and welcome 2010. Describing youth as the future promise of our nation, she referred to the significant role of youth in nation-building. She hoped that the celebration of the day will add a new chapter in the history of cultural relations between Russia and India. Ms. Yelena S. Shtapkina, Senior Executive and Programme Coordinator, conducted the proceedings of the cultural programme. The programme, in all, comprised the sterling performance of a piano student Katerina Vikilova—“Invention C-Major” and “The small Serenade”, a solo opera singing by Larisa Galyautdinova—“Rojea Doze Odo Roze”, “Aria of Barbarina”, “A young man and a lady” and “The statue of the Tsarskoselskiy park”, a graceful dance “Adagio” from the ballet “Giselle” and an Italian national dance “Tarantella”, fragment of the ballet dance “Walpurgis Night”, and a Gypsy dance by the students of the Russian ballet School, choreographed by Galina Lyakhova, a Punjabi folk dance by Rhythm Cultural Group, “Aloo-Chat Hip-Hop” by the Indian Folk Group, a song composed by Igor Nikolaev “Five Reasons” sung by the students of the Institute of Russian Language, a Russian song “Heart” sung by Karishma, student of the Institute of Russian Language, etc. An item entitled “Cultural Fusion” presented by the students of Deshbandhu College as well as “Gabroo”, fusion of Western and Punjabi Dance, as well as a Duet Dance by the Indian Folk Group had a tremendous impact on the audience, particularly the youth who welcomed it with great cheer. The highlight of the function was the songs sung by the Armenian compatriots Mare and Nare Mkrtchan such as “Bradobrej”, “The Small Prince” and “Zazhigay Russiya”. The song by Barkha Sharma, a student of the Institute of Russian Language, was earmarked for its substance and melody. The function was concluded with a Bhangra number by the Rhythm Cultural Group, Punjab, with its rocking presentation of rhythm synchronizing with the music lending great ecstasy to the audience.

Award-Giving Function at RCSC At a Literary Evening, jointly organized by RCSC, Parichay Sahitya Parishad and Pandit Hari Dutt Sharma Jayanti Purashkar Samiti, the Hari Dutt Sharma Award for this year, instituted in the name of renowned journalist Pandit Hari Dutt Sharma, was presented to the senior journalist and writer Dr. Alok Mehta, Chief Editor, Nai Duniya. The function was attended by an elite gathering of writers, poets, journalists, educationists, and others. The late Pandit Hari Dutt Sharma, Assistant Editor, Nav Bharat Times, a prominent Hindi journalist and writer, and a winner of Soviet Land Nehru Award, had over 30 books to his credit, the highlight of his major works being “Lenin on India”. He was a First Counsellor of Delhi Municipal Corporation as Independent Member for 20 years. The award-winner Dr. Alok Mehta, before joining Nai Duniya, served in Nav Bharat Times. A noted journalist, writer and author, he has put in more than three-decade-long service in journalism winning laurels. The distinguished guest at the function included the Chief Guest Mr. Motilal Vohra, M. P., Mr. Jai Prakash Agarwal, M.P., President, D.P.C.C., Mr. Yoganand Shastri, Speaker, Delhi Legislative Assembly, Mr. Satyaprakash Malavya, Former Union Minister, Mr. Mahendra Joshi, M. P., Chairman, All-India Congress Seva Dal, Mr. Ramachandra Vikal, Former M.P., Mr. Govind Singh, Chief Editor, Amar Ujala, Mr. Madhusudan Anand, Editor, Nai Duniya, Ms. Urmil Satyabhushan, President, Parichay Sahitya Parishad, and others. The speakers lauded the literary and journalistic contributions as well as the literary flavour and analytical skill of both Pandit Hari Dutt Sharma and Dr. Alok Mehta. Congratulating the award-winner, Mrs. Maria B. Pavlova, Deputy Director, referred to the commendable efforts taken by Parichay Sahitya Parishad in the cause of promotion of bilateral relations between Russia and India in the field of literature, language and culture, as well as popularizing the creativity of writers from both countries to the greater benefits of the peoples of our countries. She noted that the function has special significance as one the major literary event towards the conclusion of the Year of India in Russia.

Fourth All-india Conference of Listener's Clubs of Voice of Russia Opens at R?SC The two-day long Fourth All-India Conference of Listeners' Clubs of the Voice of Russia, jointly organized by the Voice of Russia Broadcasting Company and RCSC, dedicated to the Russian-Indian cooperation and to the results of the “Year of Russia in India” and “Year of India in Russia”, opened today at the RCSC. Ms. Irina Maximenko, Head of the South-Asian Department of Voice of Russia, and Ms. Natalia Benyukh, Special Correspondent, Voice of Russia, participated in the Conference. The participants, comprising representatives from the Voice of Russia and their Indian counterparts and listeners from all over India drawn from Voice of Russia Listeners' Clubs, engaged in fruitful interaction, exchanging mutually-beneficial ideas on how best to promote and strengthen the bilateral relations in the field of broadcasting. Pragmatic and reasonable suggestions emerged during the deliberations to improve the efficacy and efficiency of broadcasting, broadening of networks and tie-up with Indian national broadcasting agencies aimed at better results enabling the programmes to reach out to people on a wider scale even to the remote parts of the country. Speaking on the occasion, opening the Conference, the Chief Guest, H. E. Mr. Alexander M. Kadakin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to India, said that the Conference, held towards the conclusion of the “Year of India in Russia” assumes great significance in terms of the imperative of disseminating and exchange of information on the history and culture and developments taking place in both countries through the broadcasting media for the interest of general public. The Russian Ambassador threw light on the multi-faceted cooperation between Russia and India which achieved new heights thanks to the sincere efforts and guidance of dynamic leadership of our two countries, which gave a new momentum to Russian-Indian relations. Mr. Alexander M. Kadakin referred to the successful visit of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to Russia early this month and the creative and fruitful discussion he had with the Russian leadership, adding that the agreements signed on the occasion on some sensitive areas such as nuclear power plants, defence, etc, would go a long way in cementing the bilateral relations. Earlier, welcoming the gathering, Mr. Fyodor A. Rozovskiy, Director, RCSC, expressed the hope that the deliberations of the conference will leave a great impact on greater bilateral cooperation in the field of broadcasting, facilitating better understanding on each other's history and culture, at the same time strengthening people-to-people relations based on emerging mutually-beneficial ideas. Acknowledging the immense potential of bilateral cooperation, Mr. H.K. Pani, Deputy Director-General, Prasar Bharati, External Services Division, AIR, explained the effective broadcasting service in Russian language AIR renders catering to the needs of the Indian people. Making an assessment of the growing popularity of Voice of Russia among the Indian public, Ms Irina Maksimenko noted that right from early 40s, it used to be the momentous foreign broadcasting agency providing programmes on developments in Russia, its history and culture and views on global events in an objective manner in foreign languages including Hindi, Urdu and Bengali. Ms. Natalia Benyukh expressed his contentment over the spontaneous response shown by Indian listeners on Russian programmes. She referred to the priority shown to India keeping in view in a wider perspective the larger interest of Indian listeners. Prizes were distributed to the winners of Voice of Russia competition on Russian-Indian Cooperation.

Olympiad on Russian Language and Culture An Olympiad on Russian Language and Culture for school children was held at the RCSC. Grades 6th and 7th students who learn Russian language at Delhi schools, including Springdales Schools, Pusa Road, and Dhaula Kuan, Bluebells International and DPS, Dwaraka, participated in the Olympiad with two teams each. DPS Dwaraka won the first and second place, while Springdales School, Dhaula Kuan, won the third place. The most active participant was also awarded. This was the second of the series of Olympiads meant for encouraging children to lean the Russian language in India, and also get acquainted with the wonderful world of Russian literature and culture through language. The Jury consisted of teacher of the Institute of Russian Language, Russian Centre of Science and Culture, led by its Director, Dr. Girish Munjal.

Painting Exhibtion “From Russia with Love” The Painting Exhibition “From Russia with Love” by Russian Artist from St. Petersburg Valentin Skachkov was inaugurated at the Russian Centre of Science and Culture (RCSC), 24, Ferozeshah Road, New Delhi, on December 7. The Exhibition was jointly organized with the Roerichs' Art Club. On display at the Exhibition are the masterpieces of one of the popular contemporary Russian artists, who is a graduate of the very famous Ilya Repin Institute of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture, St. Petersburg. Most of his paintings are inspired by Nature, Landscape, Still life and he is an expert in Portraits also. Inaugurating the Exhibition, the Chief Guest Mr. Ashok Vajpeyi, Chairman, Lalit Kala Akademi, said that the theme and contents of the expositions are symbolic of the history, culture, tradition and civilization of Russia with which India has century-long affinity. He noted that the paintings showcased would go a long way in acquainting Indian art-loves with the Russian Nature, Landscapes and Culture thereby strengthening the bilateral bond of friendship and cooperation. Earlier, welcoming the guests, Mr. Fyodor Rozovskiy, Director, Russian Centre of Science and Culture, thanked the Indian friends for extending regular cooperation to the endeavours of bringing the culture, art, philosophy, etc. of Russia closer to the people of India and vice versa, through such exhibitions and host of many other events at the Russian Centre. The inaugural function was well attended by the art lovers and the other personalities from a cross section of the society of the Delhi. The Exhibition will remain open in the premises of the RCSC from December 08 2009 to December 12, 2009 (between 10.00 a.m. to 6. 00 pm.