Kolkata Honors Pushkin: Russian Language Day Comes Alive at Russian House

Established by UNESCO in 2010, Russian Language Day is observed on 6 June — the birth anniversary of Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin, Russia’s national poet, playwright, and novelist, and the founder of modern Russian literature. 

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The Institute of Russian Language at Gorky Sadan, Russian House in Kolkata, joined hands with the Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture and the University of Calcutta to pay tribute to Pushkin on his 227th birth anniversary. The vibrant 100-minute cultural programme featured 23 performances, including a photographic exhibition, presentations, recitations, and songs honouring the iconic poet.

Chief guest Maxim Kozlov, Consul General of the Russian Federation in Kolkata, addressed the audience in Bengali. Sharing lesser-known facts from Pushkin’s life, he left students awestruck as he recited the poet’s verses by heart. Drawing on Eugene Onegin — Pushkin’s masterpiece and the fountainhead of Russian literature — he explored the intricacies of rhyme and rhythm in Pushkin’s poetry, drawing parallels with Indian literary traditions. “Eugene Onegin is an absolute classic and a must-read for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in Russian culture,” he said.

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Russian House Director Sergey Shushin noted the turnout despite the summer heat. “It is heartwarming to have our hall full. I invite everyone to view our exhibition of over a hundred photographs and posters capturing Pushkin’s fascinating life and incredible works.”

Senior student Madhubanti Choudhury presented an audiovisual, Key Events and Achievements of A.S. Pushkin with Emphasis on Autumn in Boldino. The programme also featured soulful renditions of songs based on works by Alexander Pushkin, Anna Akhmatova, Sergey Yesenin, and others. 

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Tanusree Chatterjee, who holds a Post Diploma in Russian and has been associated with Gorky Sadan for eight years, recited Pushkin’s “I’ve lived to bury my desires.” “The poem deeply touched me as it  reflects on aging, fate, and lost passion, featuring the notable image of a single, trembling leaf left behind. Pushkin’s words come straight from the heart. I want to explore more of his works, especially Eugene Onegin. When I visit Moscow, the first thing I’ll do is visit his monument,” she said.

Somoshri Paladhi, with a Master’s in Comparative Literature from Jadavpur University, recited Pushkin’s famous poem “To Chaadaev.” “What fascinates me most about Pushkin is his timeless relevance. I prepared for over a week, focusing on pronunciation, intonation, and emotional depth to convey its spirit authentically.”

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Newcomer Sayak Naskar, who joined Russian classes just two weeks ago, painted a portrait of Pushkin as a gift to the institute. “I learned about Pushkin in my first lessons. His life is so dramatic — impulsive decisions, intense conflicts, the fatal duel. Seeing his anniversary celebrated so vibrantly has inspired me to read him.”

Madhabi Bhattacharya, Director of the Institute of Russian Language, said, “Language Day is one of our most significant annual events. This year’s highlight was the passionate participation of junior and senior students alike. They began preparing months ago, driven by genuine interest.”

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The event also launched a new initiative: starting 17 July, the Russian Language Club, Klub Lyubiteley Russkovo Yazika, will meet at Gorky Sadan on the third Thursday of every month for discussions on Russian language, literature, arts, and culture.

In our fast-paced digital world, literary milestones offer a powerful anchor, inviting reflection on timeless human values. On that warm summer afternoon, as Kolkata remembered Russia’s most revered poet, the event stood as a testament to the deep cultural bonds between India and Russia.