News and Events PHOTO EXHIBITION ON DAY OF RUSSIAN WEAPONS'S GLORY OPENED

New Delhi, February 27, 2008: A week-long "Contemporary Art Exhibition: 2008 INDIA-RUSSIA", dedicated to the Year of Russia in India and organized jointly by the Russian Centre of Science & Culture, Roerichs' Art Society and Canvas Art Gallery, was inaugurated at a colourful function attended by artists, art-lovers and art critics by Dr. Kapila Vatsyayan, Chairperson, India International Centre-Asia Project at the RCSC, 24-Ferozeshah Road, New Delhi on February 22, 2008..

Earlier, welcoming the gathering, Dr. Sergey V. Cherkas, Deputy Director, RCSC, noted that the photos displayed at the exhibition, as a tribute to the Day of the Defenders of Homeland and on the auspicious sidelines of the "Year of Russia in India", demonstrated the heroic deeds of the personnel of the Russian Armed Forces, whose contributions went a long way in not only defending their homeland but also sustaining the security of mankind 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 90 years ago in 1918 during the Civil War in Russia. Dr. Cherkas dealt at length upon the unique bilateral cooperation in defence between Russia and India.

Tracing the glorious traditions of the Russian Armed Forces, Col. Nikolay Y. Markov pointed out that in their operational undertakings, both in war and peace-time, they brought laurels and pride to the nation and the people. Referring to the supreme sacrifices made by the Russian Defence forces, he said that there was not a family in his country afflicted by casualty during the Great Patriotic War.

Sharing his personal impressions against the background of long association with the Russian Naval Forces, Commander (Retd.) Arun Mathur noted that the Indian Navy always had the goodwill among its Russian counterpart. He spoke high of the efficiency and efficacy of the Russian Navy, testifying to the credibility of its equipment and armaments from his own experience.

Hailing the crucial role played by the erstwhile Soviet Union in making the Indian defence infrastructure strong, Mr. K. L. Malhotra, General Secretary, Indian Council for UN Relations, pointed out that the immense and timely help and support provided by Russia, and the consistent Indo-Russian defence relations culminating into the emerge of Brahmos, enabled India to stand in good stead. He also lauded the commendable services of the Russian Army not only during war, but also in peace time.

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