A new Center of the Russian Geographical Society has started its work in Trivandrum, the capital of the Indian state of Kerala. It will become a platform for the development of cultural and scientific ties between Russia and India. The opening ceremony took place on December 14th.
The initiator of the creation of the new RGS Center in India was Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation and Director of the Russian House in Trivandrum, Ratish Nair. For more than 20 years, he has been actively involved in the development of Russian-Indian relations and the establishment of fraternal ties between the cities of the two countries, helping in the implementation of projects dedicated to Russian culture.
Guests of the event. Photos provided by the RGS Center in India
The guests of the opening ceremony were welcomed by Director of the RGS Center, member of the Council of India for Historical Research under the Ministry of Education Sandhya J. Nair, Indian writer and representative of the Travancore royal family Aswathi Thirunal Gowri Lakshmi Bayi, former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization G. Madhavan Nair. Among the honored guests were also Yuri Lysenko, representative of the Rosatom State Corporation in India, and Gabriel Gregorios, Metropolitan of the Malankara Orthodox Church.
“The opening of the RGS Center in India will give impetus to the development of relations between the academic circles of Russia and India, the exchange of experience for the benefit of the two peoples," said G. Madhavan Nair, former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization.
The opening ceremony. Photos provided by the RGS Center in India
The guests of the ceremony saw the film of the Russian Geographical Society "Territory of the Snow Leopard", and also got acquainted with the activities and projects of the Russian Geographical Society. The presentation was conducted by Svetlana Vorobyova, Acting Director of the Department of Expert-Analytical and International Activities.
During the opening of the Center of the Russian Geographical Society in India, a symbolic Indian blessing ceremony was also held. Its participants lit a special ceremonial lamp.
The rite of blessing. Photos provided by the RGS Center in India
The RGS Center in India will host exhibitions, seminars, and other events dedicated to the study of geography, history, and culture of Russia. In 2024, it is planned to hold a quiz "Cities of Russia", a scientific seminar dedicated to Afanasy Nikitin, as well as educational events of the Russian Geographical Society "Geographical Dictation" and "Night of Geography".