24.04.2026
150 years of the song “Vande Mataram”: Indian Culture Day was held at the Russian State University for the Humanities (RSUH)
April 24, 2026
150 years of the song “Vande Mataram”: Indian Culture Day was held at the Russian State University for the Humanities (RSUH)
The event was held jointly with the Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Centre of the Embassy of India in Russia.
The event featured an exhibition of creative works by first-year master's students from the Art-Design Educational Center, dedicated to the song “Vande Mataram”. The project was led by Dr. Anna Kazmina, artist-designer.
The following delivered the welcoming speech:
Prof. Vera Zabotkina, Acting Vice-Rector for International Cooperation, noted the deep connection between Indian and Russian cultures. At RSUH, this friendship between our peoples is demonstrated through events organized by representatives of the Center for South Asian Studies. Vera Ivanovna emphasized that RSUH highly values the work of the Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Center that regularly participate in scientific and cultural projects organized at RSUH.
Mr. Om Prakash Tiwari, First Secretary (Consular Section) of the Indian Embassy in the Russian Federation, explained that the Indian people celebrate the anniversary of the national song as a major national event, highlighting their role in the struggle for independence. Events are being held across the country under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address to the nation, emphasized the song's historical significance as a symbol of patriotism.
The diplomat also added that the Indian government has launched a special website, vandemataram150.in, which features educational materials, karaoke versions of the song, official symbols, and special events, including the release of a commemorative postage stamp and coin.
Mr. Alexander Kozlov, Envoy Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary (2nd Class) and Deputy Director of the Second Asian Department of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's song remains an important symbol of unity, glorifying the Motherland. He also thanked the Russian State University for the Humanities for the invitation to participate in such a large-scale event and wished the students success in their studies of Indology.
Dr. Elena Remizova, Director of the Russian House in New Delhi (India), noted the important contribution of RSUH to strengthening Russian-Indian relations. Ms. Remizova expressed appreciation for the high level of creative work by RSUH students. She recalled that in 2025, RSUH student works dedicated to the 155th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi were already on display at the Russian House in New Delhi, and an exhibition dedicated to the anniversary of the song “Vande Mataram” is planned.
Professor Vasily Khristoforov, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Director of the Institute of International Relations and Political Science, noted that this celebration is a source of new knowledge, vivid impressions, and inspiration for further cooperation and friendship between Russia and India. Professor Khristoforov wished all participants and guests unforgettable emotions, discoveries, and a joyful encounter with the amazing culture of India.
The first part of the cultural program featured performances by RSUH students: Elizaveta Gareeva, a second-year student at the Institute of Oriental Cultures and Classical Studies, recited a poem by the great Indian poet Mirza Ghalib in Urdu and translated into Russian. RSUH students then demonstrated traditional Indian clothing from various states. Elena Shah, a third-year student at the Institute of Linguistics, presented a video about the history of the song “Vande Mataram”. RSUH students also demonstrated their skills in mehndi – henna designs – on the hands.
The second part of the program was presented by students from the Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Center of the Indian Embassy in Moscow. The vocal and tabla students, along with their mentors, Snehashish Dubey and Arun Kushwaha, performed the well-known ghazal “Salona Sa Sajan” composed by Habib Abbas and set to music by the renowned Ustad Ghulam Ali. The music captured the beauty and emotional depth of the ghazal genre.
The dance portion of the program included:
a) the famous solo kirtan “Natanam Adinar” performed in Bharatanatyam;
b) the solo dance “Mukhachalam” from the extensive Mohiniyattam tradition of Kerala.
c) a fusion of classical Indian dances – ”Sri Rama Chandra Kripalu Bajumana” choreographed by Ms. Vitalina Lobach, director and teacher of the Odissi Jeevan Nritya troupe (Odissi dance style), Ms. Veera Krishnaraj, director and teacher of the Natyalayam troupe (Kuchipudi dance style), and Ms. Nadezhda Kovriga, director and teacher of the Revati troupe (Bharatanatyam dance style).
Following the cultural program, festival participants sampled traditional Indian cuisine and sweets.
