New Delhi: Fly Away on the Wings of the Wind carried the audience home while performers from Russia’s NP Ogarev National Research Mordovia State University—graceful, effortless, as if born for the spotlight—held everyone spellbound.
The night was a vibrant blend of nostalgia and celebration as Russian folk songs and dances lit up the Russian House in New Delhi. It peaked with a spirited performance of Jai Ho—imperfect lyrics but pure passion, uniting cultures in a moment of shared joy.
The event, Russia-India: Culture Unites, held on 15 March, was organised as part of a special cultural tour across India. It served as a reminder of the ties between the two countries. Diplomats, cultural enthusiasts, students, and families came together to witness a mesmerising confluence of traditions, art, and music. Phones stayed up, smiles never faded, and applause filled the air.
The renowned creative ensemble of the NP Ogarev National Research Mordovia State University took centre stage, presenting a carefully curated lineup of performances that highlighted the richness of Russian and Indian heritage.
“For many of us, this was our first business trip. India is the first country they’ve travelled to abroad. It’s exciting for our students to explore a country with such a rich history and culture, to discover it, and take these experiences back to Russia,” said Irina Sokolnikova, the PR head of Mordovia State University.
This cultural initiative followed the successful celebrations at SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) in Chennai, where a similar event was held on 8 March, commemorating 25 years of the India-Russia strategic partnership and 15 years of especially privileged cooperation. By taking this celebration to multiple Indian cities, including Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Mahendragarh, the organisers sought to transcend political and economic ties, fostering a deeper understanding of cultural heritage through artistic collaboration.
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Art, dance, and friendship
The concert was a whirlwind of colour, rhythm, and energy. From the very first note, it was impossible not to smile—even for those who didn’t understand the language. Students from Mordovia State University brought Russia’s artistic soul to life, turning the evening into a joyful cultural exchange.
To keep the excitement alive, a fun quiz on Russian culture had the audience on their toes, with participants competing for prizes. A special video presentation offered a glimpse into the lives of Indian students at Mordovia State University, highlighting the growing academic and cultural ties between the two nations.
The night opened with soulful Russian folk songs, their melodies painting vivid pictures of the country’s vast countryside. Then came a breathtaking ballet performance—graceful, fluid, and deeply moving. But this wasn’t just a show to watch; it was an experience to be part of. Interactive segments pulled the audience in, making sure they weren’t just spectators but active participants in this beautiful blend of traditions.
“I hope the audience sees through our performance that Russia and India share a deep friendship. Both countries have rich histories and cultures, and through the language of art, we can strengthen this bond even further,” said Sokolnikova.
The true showstopper was a unique performance where dancers dressed in lehenga choli seamlessly blended the elegance of ballet with the grace of Kathak. The rhythmic footwork of Indian dance met the fluidity of Russian ballet in a mesmerising fusion, proving that artistry knows no borders.
Then, just when the audience thought the night couldn’t get any better, the hall erupted with the beats of the Oscar-winning song Jai Ho. Voices from both countries joined in, hands clapped to the rhythm, and for a few minutes, the room wasn’t divided by nationality—it was united by music.
(Edited by Aamaan Alam Khan)