The Annual Russian Language and Literary Festival began in Trivandrum at the Galaxy Hall, Hotel Residency Tower on 14 December 2017. Renowned Russian Film Maker Mr.Alexander Sokurov inaugurated the Festival. In his inaugural address Mr. Sokurov said that India proved to be a true friend of Russia and the contribution of Language and Literature played a major role in cementing this strong ties. ” Russia and India have great tradition and culture. Culture is moulded thanks to the development of Language and the Literature catalyze the process of the development of Language. Making use of these language and Literature among the people will go ling way in bringing the people closer to each other. Nowadays movies can also contribute greatly in providing platform for the people of different counties to know each others’ culture. Organizing such festival will help the new generation to create a new peaceful world order”‘, said Mr. Alexander Sokurov.

In his presidential address, Mr.Fyodor Rozovskiy, Chief Representative of the Federal Agency ROSSOTHRUDNICHESVO, Counsellor and the Director of the Russian Centre of Science and Culture in New Delhi said that this year’s festival is very important since it coincides with the 70th anniversary celebrations of the Diplomatic Ties between Russia and India. ” The Festival that comprises series of seminars, Olimpiad for Russian language students film shows etc. will help the promotion of the Russian language and literature in India. This

Russian poet Vladislav Malenko, Director of the Moscow State Yesenin Museum Svetlana Shetrakova, Bishop of the Malankara Orthodox church Dr.Gabrial Mar Grigorious etc. spoke on the occasion. This year’s Sergei Yesenin award comrising Yesenin bust, silver medal and citation which was jointly instituted by the Moscow State Esenin Museum and the Russian Centre of Science and Culture in Trivandrum 9 years ago was presented to Tamil writer and translator Ms. Arumbu Subramanyan. Ms. Subramanian delivered acceptance speech. Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation and Director, Russian Centre of Science and Culture in Trivandrum Ratheesh C. Nair welcomed the gathering.

Portrait of Fyodor Dosthoeskiy along with Mr. Perumbadavam Sreedharan who wrote one of the famous Malayalam novels based on Dosthoevsky’s life was presented to Mr. Sreedharan. The portrait was pictured by Russian artist Evgenia Maltseva. The Youth and Tourism Icon ward by the Indo-Russian Youth Club was presented to Ms.Iana Filippova, winner of the best vocalist award of Euro-Asia. She is also the President of Ino-Russian Youth Club, Altai.

The formal function was followed by the Russian Poetry recitation and songs by Iana Filippova.