New Delhi: Meeta Narain, the eminent author and scholar of Russian language, became the first Indian to receive the prestigious Helena Roerich International Medal. She was bestowed with the award on 12 February by the Helena Roerich Charitable Foundation in Moscow at the Moscow House of Public Organisations.
The medal is presented annually by the ‘Helena Roerich Charitable Foundation’ in Moscow, in memory of the renowned Russian Philosopher, writer, and cultural figure Helena Roerich (1879–1955).
It is primarily awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions in the fields of culture, art, science, and humanistic ideas. Past recipients include several internationally renowned Russian figures, such as Anatoly Karpov, the World Chess Champion of 1975 and Dmitry Revyakin for his work on heritage preservation.
The grand ceremony was attended by numerous dignitaries, among them high-ranking officials and representatives from the Indian Embassy in Moscow, intellectuals, educationists, artists, students and lovers of literature and culture.
Prof Narain has over four decades of experience in the study and research of the Russian language. She enjoys international recognition in Russian philology and translation studies.
A former Professor at the Jawaharlal Nehru University, Professor Narain has been widely acclaimed for her historic contributions to popularising the artistic, literary, and philosophical legacy of the Roerich family in the cultural domains of both India and Russia.
Several of her books, such as ‘Roerich’s world in poetry’, Teoriya Perevoda – Theory of Translation’ and ‘East-West’ have been incorporated into the curriculum of prestigious universities in many nations.
She was previously awarded Russia’s prestigious ‘Pushkin Medal’ in 2019 for her contribution to Russian studies and textbook revision, and the ‘Dostoevsky Star Award’ in 2025. She was also honoured by the ‘Dr Radhakrishnan Millennium National Teacher Award, supported by the Ministry of Education in 2010.