Russia beyond stereotypes: what surprised Sonu Saini at the National Centre
Indian Slavist, translator and Associate Professor at the Centre of Russian Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Sonu Saini visited the National Centre RUSSIA. Together with the Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA, Natalia Virtuozova, he toured the "Journey Across Russia" exposition.
The exposition takes visitors on a journey from Vladivostok to Kaliningrad, introducing them to the achievements, culture, science and nature of all the country's federal districts. During the tour, Natalia Virtuozova told the guest about the diversity of Russia's regions and what the country takes pride in: its natural wealth, scientific developments, cultural traditions and the people shaping its present and future. She also shared her impressions of the National Centre RUSSIA team's recent trip to Delhi.
"We recently returned from New Delhi, where we took part in the INNOPROM trade fair. India left us with the warmest impressions. It is an incredibly cultured and educated country where the Russian language and literature are treated with great affection and respect. There are monuments to Pushkin and Tolstoy in Delhi, and one of the city's streets is named after Leo Tolstoy. This speaks to the strength of the cultural ties between our countries and to the fact that Russian literature remains an important part of international dialogue. We continue this conversation at the National Centre RUSSIA in Moscow as well. We are very pleased that guests from India come to visit us and take part in our international projects," noted Natalia Virtuozova.
Sonu Saini has taught Russian language and literature for many years, translates works by Russian classics into Hindi and introduces Russian audiences to Indian literature. Although he has already visited many regions of Russia, the exposition allowed him to see the country from a new perspective. Particular attention during the tour was given to the Central Federal District and the Golden Ring route, with Sergiev Posad rightly regarded as its heart. The discussion also covered the development of agriculture and modern unmanned technologies used in the sector. Exploring the North Caucasus provided an opportunity to discuss Russia's multinational character and the harmonious coexistence of different cultures — a subject especially close to India, where numerous peoples, languages and traditions form a shared cultural space.
The exposition presents Russia not only through technology, industry and cultural achievements, but also through its natural landscapes. From the Ussuri taiga and Lake Baikal to the Arctic routes of the North-West, the nature reserves of the Caucasus and the country's southern shores, each section reveals the unique character of the regions and their contribution to Russia's shared history.
The event was held with the support of the Russian Military Historical Society and the "I Remember" Foundation.
Watch the new episode "How Dzhabagi Saved the Village" on the National Centre RUSSIA.
