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.