News and Events /CHILDREN'S FAIR TO MARK 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDO-RUSSIAN DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS 7 Feb 2007

New Delhi, February 6, 2007: The inauguration of the Exhibition of Children's Paintings and Dance Competition, dedicated to the 60th Anniversary of Indo-Russian Diplomatic Relations, jointly organized by the Russian Centre of Science & Culture (RCSC) and Nehru Bal Samiti, was held at 24, Ferozeshah Road, New Delhi, on February 6, 2007.

Recording a high note of appreciation on the professional touch found all-pervading in the performance of school children, Deputy Director of RCSC, Dr. Sergey V. Cherkas, pointed out that the bilateral agreement signed between Russia and India by the Ministers of Culture during the recent visit of Russian President Mr. Vladimir V. Putin provided immense possibilities for much more bilateral exchanges between children of both countries. Dr. Cherkas also noted that the "Year of Russia in India" in 2008 and the "Year of India in Russia" in 2009 would be significant in further fostering and solidifying bilateral relations.

Hailing Indo-Russian relations as unique in international relations, Former President of Nehru Bal Samiti, Mr. T. R. Gupta, underlined the special dimensions achieved in strategic partnership between India and Russia, particularly after the recent visit of Russian President Mr. Vladimir V. Putin, an important highlight of which remained cooperation in nuclear energy and defence. Mr. Gupta, acknowledged the consistent efforts taken by the RCSC in promoting the activities of Nehru Bal Samiti.

Congratulating the children for their excellence in painting and dance, Hony. Secretary and Director of Nehru Bal Samiti, Mr. S. P. Govil, described the hardships encountered on the imperative uplift of children from the lower strata of society, as well as the economic problems resulting in hurdles in carrying on studies and extra-curricular activities.

Mr. G. K. Kapoor, First Secretary, D. P. S., felicitated the young and budding artists for their artistic spark.

Students from 14 schools belonging to New Delhi, Noida, Faridabad, Palwal, and Children's Art School, RCSC, took part in the Painting Competition, and the winners' paintings were on display at the Exhibition. The subjects of the Painting Competition were "A Vegetable shop or Fruit Shop", "Planting Trees Campaign", "Kite Shop" (4-7 years), "Snake Charmer", "Magic Show", "Visit to a Zoo" (7-10 years), and "Republic Day Parade", "National Integration Camp", "Celebrating Indo-Russian Friendship" (10-18 years). In all, I Prize is won by 23 students, II Prize by 30 students and III Prize by 24 students.

Students from 10 schools participated in the Folk Group Dance Competition, each group comprising 8 to 10 children in the age-group of 8-15 presenting colourful items. The I Prize was won by 6 schools-R. S. Junior Modern School, Humayun Road, Universal Public School, Preet Vihar, Bal Vikas Vidyalaya, Masjid Moth, Mt. Carmel School, Anand Niketan, DAV School, Palwal and Queens Mary School, Tis Hazari-- II Prize by 3 schools-Bal Vikas Vidyalaya, Trilok Puri, Bal Vikas Vidyalaya, Masjid Moth, and Rani Dutta Arya Vidyalaya, Darya Ganj-- and III Prize by Bal Vikas Vidyalaya, Trilok Puri.