News and Events / INDEPENDENCE DAY OF INDIA CELEBRATED

The Independence Day of India was celebrated at a Gala Function, jointly organized by the Russian Centre of Science & Culture RCSC) and Indian friendship societies, associations and clubs, at RCSC, 24, Ferozeshah Road, New Delhi, on August 14, 2006.

Delivering his address as the Chief Guest on the occasion, Dr. Buta Singh, Former Home Minister of India, emphasized that the ideals and vision of Mahatma Gandhi are relevant today more than ever. He pointed out that at a time when we mark the 59th anniversary of Indian independence, we are reminded of the voice of Gandhiji, who strongly advocated non-violence, secularism, communal harmony and universal brotherhood. Tracing the close interaction between Gandhiji and Leo Tolstoy, Mr. Buta Singh said that the convergence of their humanist philosophy had a positive impact on India's freedom struggle. Referring to the time-tested friendship and cooperation between India and the erstwhile Soviet Union, he described the USSR as a "friend in need".

Mr. Andrei A. Sorokin, Minister-Counsellor, Embassy of the Russian Federation in India, pointed out that India has won a pride of place in the minds and hearts of the people of Russia, who pay due respects to the people of India on this landmark day in the history of the country. He noted that the imperative of strategic partnership between the two countries, based on commonality of interests and common concern on several international issues, were reiterated during the meetings between Mr. Vladimir V. Putin, President of the Russian Federation, and Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India. The simultaneous emergence of Russia and India as important economies of the Asian region is one of the remarkable developments of the 21st century, Mr. Sorokin said.

Earlier, welcoming the gathering, Acting Director of the RCSC, Mr. Sergey P. Vanuykov, said that Russian-Indian relations are now seen as a decisive factor in the international context. He added that the bilateral cooperation promotes the creation of solid foundation of friendship and common understanding for the benefit of the two peoples and in the interest of peace and security in Asia and the world.

Mr. Ramesh Dutta, Ex-Mayor of Delhi, said that the people of India are fortunate enough to have been inspired and guided by stalwarts like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, whose contributions went a long way in achieving independence and enabling the country becoming a strong democracy in the world.

Dr. R. B. Singh, General-Secretary, India-Russia Friendship Society, Delhi State, proposed a vote of thanks.

The function was followed by a Colourful Cultural Programme, presented by the students of the Russian Ballet School, and performance of a play "Shooting the Sun" by the Manipur Theatre Academy.

In the morning, Nehru Bal Samiti, in cooperation with the Russian Centre of Science & Culture, organized a Folk Group Dance Competition for Children in which 10 schools participated. A Painting Exhibition was also opened on the occasion. Mr. S. P. Govil, Hon. Secretary of Nehru Bal Samiti and Chairman of Indo-Russian Council for Child Development, and Ms. Maria B. Pavlova, Senior Executive and Programme Coordinator of the Russian Centre of Science & Culture, spoke on the occasion.

In the Folk Group Dance Competition, the Salvan Public School and Sumermal Jain Public School won the First Prize. The Second Prize was won by four schools-NBS Balvikas Vidyalaya, Masjid Mod, Universal Public School, Darbarilal DAV and Khaitan Public School. And the Third Prize was won by another four schools.