The Chief Guest of Function, Eminent Indian Scholar and President of Ramchander Nath International Foundation, Prof. Shiv Harit, comparing the Holy Relics of Russian saints with those of Indian sacred personalities, stressed upon many similarities between Indian and Russian cultures, history and traditions. Citing many examples of commonality in Indian and Russian mythological and historical creations, he described the exhibition as unique source of spiritual inspiration.
Ms. Mariya Pavloa, Programme Coordinator of the Russian Centre, briefing the audience in chaste Hindi, said that the Russian saints of 13th and 14th century Alexander Nevskiy and Sergiy Radonezhskiy were blessed with special divine power. They were great mystic and ascetic, around whose Holy figures Russia was united at the time of dissociation and invasion by the Mongol Tatars and by coursing the great spiritual uprising of the country they saved Russia in its ordeal time from ruination and unnecessary bloodshed. She explained that the word "Icon" derives from the Greek "eikon" and means an image, but in more restricted sense in which it is generally understood; it means a holy image to which special veneration is given. Russian Icons are as sacred as idols of Indian Gods and Goddesses, and are generally painted on wooden panels and walls of Churches.
Earlier welcoming the guests Dr. Sergey V. Cherkas, Deputy Director of the Russian Centre of Science and Culture, pointed out that the spiritual feats of Russian Saints had changed Russian forever and their icons are well spread and very popular in the country.
The function was well attended by people from different strata of life including artists, scholars, friendship society leaders and others.
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