Vivekananda Global University (VGU), Jaipur, hosted an India–Russia academic exchange programme that brought together academics and researchers from Russian institutions, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between VGU and the Pushkin State Russian Language Institute forming a key part of the programme.
The agreement is intended to expand academic and research cooperation, promote Russian language and cultural studies, and create opportunities for student and faculty exchanges, joint academic programmes, lectures, workshops and collaborative research.
The programme brought Russian academics into direct interaction with VGU students through sessions spanning linguoculturology, bilingualism, history, neuroscience, language teaching, culture and scientific research. Students were also introduced to opportunities for higher education and academic exchange in Russia.
Dr D.V.S. Bhagavanulu, President of Vivekananda Global University, spoke about the longstanding academic and cultural connections between India and Russia and the role of educational cooperation in bringing young people from the two countries together through knowledge, culture, research and innovation. He also referred to the history of India–Russia cooperation in areas including education, science and technology.
VGU Chief Executive Officer Onkar Bagaria described the collaboration as an important step towards strengthening international academic engagement. He said such initiatives provide students with opportunities to interact with international experts, explore research and gain exposure to global academic and career avenues.
The programme began with a working meeting between Indian and Russian representatives to discuss prospects for cooperation. VGU Pro-President Prof (Dr) Baldev Singh delivered the welcome address, while Registrar Dr Praveen Choudhary also addressed the gathering.
Speaking about the value of international and interdisciplinary academic engagement, Prof (Dr) Baldev Singh said: “In an era defined by rapid technological advances, global challenges demand global perspectives.”
He also emphasised opportunities for cooperation through joint research projects, faculty exchange programmes, student immersion visits and cultural dialogue between institutions in India and Russia.
Strengthening India–Russia academic cooperation
Nikita Gusev, Rector of the Pushkin State Russian Language Institute, highlighted the developing academic and scientific partnership between India and Russia during the Scientists of the Future 2026 programme.
Gusev noted that 2027 will mark the 80th anniversary of India–Russia diplomatic relations and described the anniversary as an opportunity to further develop cooperation in science, education, research and academic exchange.
He also addressed the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and joint academic initiatives involving institutions in India and the Russian Federation, highlighting the role of programmes such as Scientists of the Future in connecting young researchers and scholars.
Gusev referred to the visit of five Russian scholars to VGU, Jaipur, and their engagement with students and academics on research, education and the development of future scientific cooperation.
Language, bilingualism and culture
Vladimir Karasik, Doctor of Philology and Professor at the Pushkin State Russian Language Institute, explored bilingualism from social and cultural perspectives, using India as an example of the diversity found within multilingual societies. He discussed different forms of bilingualism, including natural bilingualism, migrant bilingualism and professional bilingualism, and examined their relationship with communication and cognitive development.
Karasik also addressed the close connection between language and culture. His session considered different levels of language acquisition and the difficulties that can arise when culturally specific words, concepts and expressions are translated between languages.
Adding a cultural dimension to the discussion, Karasik shared that his favourite Indian word is “Rangoli”, using it as an example of how words can carry cultural meaning and identity beyond their literal translation.
Opportunities for students and educational exchangeAnastasia Ilyushina, Coordinator of Youth Projects and Programmes at the Russian House in New Delhi, focused on educational opportunities associated with the Pushkin State Russian Language Institute.
She explained how students can apply to the institution and outlined aspects of the application process and opportunities for academic study. Her session also addressed higher education, educational exchange and cross-cultural learning between India and Russia.
The programme enabled students to engage directly with Russian academics and researchers representing different disciplines and to learn about research, education and international academic cooperation.The combination of the institutional agreement and academic sessions provided a framework for further engagement between VGU and the Pushkin State Russian Language Institute in areas including language and cultural studies, student and faculty mobility, academic programmes, research and knowledge exchange.
ANI
