Moscow, Russia: The Celebration of the 2nd Russia-India Afanasy Nikitin Award Ceremony and about Sikh Culture Centre Gurudwara Guru Nanak Darbar. Both the programmes were held in Moscow.
Prologue:Traveler Afanasy Nikitin and India
It has already been 560 years since the traveler Afanasy Nikitin left his hometown of Tver, Russia and set off on a journey to India. In 2002, a monument to the Russian traveler Afanasy Nikitin was unveiled in the Indian village of Revdanda, State Maharashtra. The seven‑metre‑high stele made of black granite is decorated with inscriptions in Russian, Hindi, Marathi and English. A granite plaque features a map of India showing Afanasy Nikitin’s route. A monument in memory of Afanasy Nikitin in Tver, Russia is the hallmark of the city. D
uring an official meeting in September, 2026.Russian President Mr. Vladimir Putin described Tver City
as the center of the Russian land based on its historical importance.
(en.wikipedia.org›Tver)I) The Celebration of 2nd Russia-India Afanasy Nikitin Award Ceremony in Moscow
Programme began with the national anthems of the Russian Federation and the Republic of India followed by welcome addres by dignitaries Mr. Devadathan Nair, Organiser of the event, Director, “Blizhny Club – Compatriots of India in Russia”, Mr. Pavel Shevtsov, Dy. Head of the Russian Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States Affairs, Compatriots Living Abroad, and International Humanitarian cooperation (Rossotrudnichestvo) and the Guest of Honour, laureate of the 1st Russia-India Afanasy Nikitin Award Brahma Kumari Sudha Didi. Russia-India
Afanasy Nikitin. Followed by the welcome addresses the celebration of Russia-India Afanasy Nikitin Awards were presented to the honourable scholars across various Categories such as Diplomacy, Education, Science, Human Capital, Tourism, Entrepreneurship, Traditional Medicine, Public Diplomacy, Journalism, Legal Support, Banking, Cinematography, Youth and Sport. The prestigious programme concluded with mutual greetings, a well-planned choreographed Indo-Russian cultural programme, and a festive feast. * Letter of appreciation from the organiser:Ms. Didi SudhaGeneral Director of the Brahma Kumaris Center for Spiritual Development, Moscow
Dear Ms. Didi Sudha!On behalf of independent non-profit organization “NRI Club – Compatriots of India in Russia”, let me express my deep gratitude to you for finding the opportunity to honor with your presence solemn events dedicated to the celebration of the 80th Independence Day of the Republic of India and the 2nd ceremony of awarding the Afanasy Nikitin Russian-Indian Prize.
Your performance at the ceremonial part of the event added special significance to it. It was a privilege for us to welcome you as an honored guest. Undoubtedly, your presence was an important sign of the support for the course aimed at deepening the Russian‑Indian partnership.
I would like to express my gratitude separately for the high assessment of the contribution made by the laureates of the Afanasy Nikitin Prize to strengthening cooperation between our countries.
I hope that the evening left you with warm memories. I sincerely look forward to continuing our fruitful cooperation in NRI Club future projects.
Yours sincerely,Devadathan Divakaran NairDirector of the “NRI Club – Compatriots of India in Russia”Photo report: Afanasy Nikitin Awards:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1JQWt1iHmYyPHqa46DqjLDufSBGDfcWSO?usp=sharing
1) VIDEO. Sudha Didi’s Speech
https://disk.yandex.ru/i/N_bNnp9ULuINOg2) VIDEO. BK Valery Dobrov,
Awarding & Speech and Song
“A dream has awakened in my heart”
https://disk.yandex.ru/d/qARhfqxGF7pmDw4) VIDEO. BK Janna Yakovenko. A wonderful Song “Fair”
https://disk.yandex.ru/i/Y-ilLmI4dQ8uNA
*********
II) Gurudwara Guru Nanak Darbar, Moscow, RussiaOn the occasion of 22nd Gurudwara Sahib, respected Katar Singh, Director of Sikh Culture Centre, Moscow has invited Honourable Ambassador of India to Russia, Vinay Kumar Ji, Smt. Iona Sinha Ji, Sudha Didi and Bro. Vijay to honour them with the Siropa. Respected Ambassador delivered the speech on the occasion and greeted the gathering.
Here are a few photos. Sorry, poor quality.
Ambassador Mr. Pavan Kumar ji, Dr. BK Vijay Kumar, Mr. Katar Singh (sitting behind) attending the prayers along with the members of Gurudwara (5) Bhajan on the occasion of Siropa (6) R-L: Ambassador, Smt. Iona Sinha, Sudha Didi, Mr. Katar Sing, Director of Sikh Culture Centre, Moscow and Bro. Vijay while honouring with the Siropa.
