EVENT : GRAND EIGHTYTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VICTORY DAY CELEBRATIONS AT THE RUSSIAN HOUSE IN KOLKATA, THE CULTURAL CAPITAL OF INDIA

BY DEBAJYOTI CHAKRABORTY

KOLKATA | 12 MAY 2025

On 9  May 2025 , the Russian Consulate General in Kolkata hosted a solemn reception on the occasion of the 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 at Russian House in Gorky Sadan. The Consul General   of China, Mr. Xu Wei,  Myanmar,  Mr. Aung Aung Myo Thein,  Belarus, Mr. Sitaram Sharma and also from   Bangladesh, Brazil, and Pastor of All Armenians in India attended the celebration at the Russian House in Kolkata.

Among the guests were eminent representatives of local business, social and religious circles, scientific and cultural community, mass media along with the Russian compatriots.

In his welcome address, Consul General of the Russian Federation in Kolkata, Mr.  Maxim Kozlov underscored the sacred significance of the Great Victory for Russia and all the peoples of the former Soviet Union in that horrible war which took the lives of 27 million Soviet people. He especially noted the contribution of Indian soldiers and officers who fought alongside the Allies.

Chairperson of the Regional Coordinating Council of Organizations of Russian Compatriots in Asia and Pacific region, Ms. Irina Malysheva emphasized the importance of the holiday for rhe Russian diaspora abroad, which is proven by the worldwide scale of the memorial campaigns, such as “Immortal Regiment”, “Songs of Victory” and others.

She accentuated that the contribution of the Russian diaspora abroad in preservation of historical memory is being highly valued by Russia.

The performance of wartime compositions by the Russian compatriots and the Institute of Russian Language students became a bright decoration of the evening.

The Musicea Art and Culture Council presented guests a variety of Russian music and songs.

The guests also had the opportunity to watch the screening of the military parade in Moscow, take part in the “St.George’s Ribbon” campaign and get acquainted with the Victory Day exhibition of photographs and posters prepared by the Russian House on the occasion.