The 155th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi was commemorated in a solemn and inspiring event at the Schnittke Hall of the Moscow International Performing Arts Centre. This momentous occasion was a joint effort by the Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Centre (JNCC), Russian State University for the Humanities (RSUH), and the Moscow International Performing Arts Centre, reflecting the strong cultural ties between India and Russia.

H.E. Vinay Kumar, Ambassador of India to the Russian Federation, honoured the event with his esteemed presence, delivering a thoughtful address on Gandhi’s universal ideals of non-violence and peace. Dr. Prof. Vera Zabotkina, Acting Vice-Rector for International Cooperation at RSUH, and several other dignitaries attended, emphasising the continued importance of Gandhi’s teachings in today’s global landscape. Highlighting the academic spirit of the occasion, Dr. Prof. Sergei Serebrianiy, Director of the Institute of Higher Humanitarian Studies at RSUH, delivered a scholarly lecture on Mahatma Gandhi’s enduring influence on global socio political movements, exploring his philosophy of non-violence and its relevance to contemporary humanitarian efforts.

The celebration reached a vibrant crescendo with a musical performance by the Hindustani Fusion group “Riwayaat,” led by the talented Siddhartha Banerjee. The group’s performance blended Indian classical traditions with modern fusion, providing a perfect cultural tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of harmony and unity. As part of the event, an exhibition prepared by the Art Design students of RSUH was displayed, showcasing artistic interpretations of Gandhi’s life and legacy. The creative pieces offered a visual narrative of the Mahatma’s journey from a lawyer in South Africa to the spiritual leader of India’s independence movement.

The event concluded with an award ceremony for the winners of the Hindi essay competition, where students showcased their reflections on the topic “How Mahatma Gandhi Changed the World Forever.” This competition, a fitting tribute to Gandhi’s ideals, encouraged the youth to reflect on his lasting impact on global peace and social justice.

The celebration of Gandhi Jayanti in Moscow highlighted the shared values of peace, tolerance, and non-violence that continue to resonate between India and Russia. The event underscored Gandhi’s lasting legacy, inspiring both nations to foster dialogue and mutual understanding in the pursuit of a better world.