1st International Conference "Indian Epics Ramayana and Mahabharata and their Universal Significance"

Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Centre, Embassy of India, Moscow and Moscow State Linguistic University, organized a wonderful scientific event: the first International Conference devoted to the two great Indian epic poems.  The representatives of the Indian diaspora in Moscow, Indologists from Russian cities, and students participated in the meeting. Didi Sudha and Dr. Vijay Kumar and a group of BKs from the Brahma Kumaris became the guests of the event.

Mr. Vinay Kumar, Ambassador of India to the Russian Federation extended the greetings with the words, "the conference represents a significant milestone as one of the first academic initiatives in Russia dedicated to these ancient Indian texts and we are especially delighted to showcase the scholarly work of students from Moscow State Linguistic University and Moscow State University of International Relations, whose fresh perspectives will enrich the discussion. I wish for a pleasant and fruitful discussion". Ms. Irina Kraeva, Rector of Moscow State Linguistic University quotes, "today we are to discuss the very source of India's wisdom-the two great Epic poems Ramayana and Mahabharata. The interest of Russians for these masterpieces goes back to the times of Leo Tolstoy who, commenting on Mahabharata, wrote that "man ought to use all his spiritual power to do his moral duty". The Conference has a symbolic value: we foster deeper understanding of Indian civilization which will be beneficial at all levels - educational, political, social and economic".  Professor Sergey Serebryany, Russian Indologist, specialist in the history of Indian literature and culture, said "that both epics attracted Western and Russian scholars for centuries. Ramayana and Mahabharata are distinguished by their uniqueness. They are a repository of truth and soft power of Indian culture in the modern world". Ms. Ami Ganatra (India), Chief Guest, autor Mahabharata Unravelled and Ramayana Unravelled, delivered excerpts of the Epics as a significant part of human life. Didi Sudha, Brahma Kumaris became the guest of the event. She got acquainted with  Ms. Irina Kraeva, with the senior staff members, with the Youth participants, speakers and shared her feelings of spiritual significance with respect to the Indian Epics.

There were more than 20 presentations by scientists and teachers from Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities, as well as guests from India. The cultural program became the bright decoration of the conference. During the breaks, the participants were generously treated to traditional Indian tea masala and national dishes of Indian cuisine.

Ms. Madhurkankana Roy, Director, JNCC, Indian Embassy conducted the programme.

The conference became a bright and notable 2-day event in the scientific and cultural life of Moscow.

 Public program "Spring in the Soul"

An enlightened programme "Spring in the Soul" was held as part of the "Voice and Soul" project. It was dedicated to art, spirituality and cultural traditions. The event brought together many participants who came to enjoy the atmosphere of creativity and to exchange experiences.

Ms. Elena Syabro and Mr. Yuri Shiyan, talented singers, opened the program with the presentation of their songs. The songs touched the hearts of the audience and helped to feel that spring has come. The music filled the hall with lively emotions and inspiration.

Ms. Ekaterina Ozerova, a teacher of choreography, winner of Russian and international dance festivals, showed her skills in the tribal fusion style, and also talked about the role of dancing in her life. Her performance was a vivid example of how movement can be a means of self-expression and personal development.

The Indian Shiv Jayanti festival also became a part of the program. The participants shared their impressions of the trips to India and the feelings they had towards the country. Thanks to the video, everyone could make a virtual trip to India and visit Madhuban where the headquarters of the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University is located. This magical place attracts thousands of people from all over the world who have a desire to be filled with good energy and spiritually renewed.

Yuri Shiyan also shared his impressions of a recent trip to India. He performed a composition inspired by Indian culture with great enthusiasm. With the sounds of his guitar, all the guests dove into meditation with thoughts of love and gratitude to the Almighty Father and fate for all the good things in their life.

Alla Sadovnikova from Vladivostok and Margarita Vladovskaya from Novosibirsk, who have been practicing Raja Yoga for more than 30 years, talked about how Yoga helps them to face life's difficulties and achieve harmony.

Our Senior Teachers, Didi Sudha and Dr. Vijay Kumar, shared their feelings and inspired the participants to further their development and self—improvement.

The hall was decorated with flags with the symbolic image of God. The point of light in the center symbolizes the Light of the Supreme Soul, the Supreme Father. In India He is called "Shiva", which means "Benefactor", the One who brings only benefit to everyone. When we remember Him, feeling like a soul, a child of God, an invisible connection is established between us and we are filled with His kind energy. We also become benefactors and participate in the unlimited task to bring benefit to the whole world, so that everyone around us can feel the goodness and energy of God.

The "Spring in the Soul" program has become a true celebration of creativity, spirituality and unity. The hearts of the participants were filled with inspiration for the future. And many came forward with proposals to conduct similar programmes in their organisations and such services now in the process.

BK Elena Titova, Author of the programme