By Achala Moulik a historian, novelist and biographer, former statesperson of the Government of India, former head of the Archaeological Service of the country, a prominent representative of the intellectual and literary elite of India.
Dear Friends,
This is my memorable visit to Moscow last week to attend the award giving ceremony of the Leo Tolstoy International Peace Prize instituted by the Leo Tolstoy Peace Foundation. I am honored to have been selected as a member of the international jury.
The prize for 2023 was awarded to the African Union, which has fought for Africa, endured and hopefully triumphed over the cruelties and injustices of three centuries of white Afrikaans and other alien rulers.
The members of the international jury are interesting and notable people –
• Mr Gergiev Valery, the celebrated musician, symphony conductor, Director of the Marinskiy Theatre, recipient of many international awards. He is chairman of the international jury ;
• Liu Wefei, Professor of Russian Studies at Beijing University;
• Talgat Musabaev, cosmonaut and former head of the National Space Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
• Maria Victoria Alcaraz, professor of Russian Studies at University of Buenos Aires, Argentina;
• Oleg Gaidukevich, political leader from Belarus;
• Sergei Stepashin, political leader and Chairman of the Orthodox Palestinian Society;
• Russian diplomat Sergei Razov.
• An extraordinary young woman from South Africa Lindiwe Sisulu whose parents were imprisoned and tortured in their struggle for freedom and justice. She trained in the Russian Army, is an officer of the South African army and may become head of South Africa one day.
The award giving event was held at the magnificent Tsarist era Bolshoy Theatre where fabulous ballet performances and concerts and operas have been held for nearly two centuries. Invitees were high dignitaries, artists, musicians, writers, defence personnel. After the award was presented to the representative of African Union, the famous Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra played the 1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky accompanied by the chorus. It was a soul storming performance. The audience must have noted the significance of the 1812 Overture which celebrated Russian victory over Napoleon’s ill starred invasion of Russia in 1812.
There was a prèss conference before the event when journalists and reporters from Russian TV channels and newspapers asked questions. I was touched by the courtesy they showed to “an Indian lady, representative from India, our great friend.”
This inspiring event was accompanied by sailing at night along the Moskva River, visits to old monasteries, museums and palaces.
Best wishes,
Achala
Dear Friends,
This is my memorable visit to Moscow last week to attend the award giving ceremony of the Leo Tolstoy International Peace Prize instituted by the Leo Tolstoy Peace Foundation. I am honored to have been selected as a member of the international jury.
The prize for 2023 was awarded to the African Union, which has fought for Africa, endured and hopefully triumphed over the cruelties and injustices of three centuries of white Afrikaans and other alien rulers.
The members of the international jury are interesting and notable people –
• Mr Gergiev Valery, the celebrated musician, symphony conductor, Director of the Marinskiy Theatre, recipient of many international awards. He is chairman of the international jury ;
• Liu Wefei, Professor of Russian Studies at Beijing University;
• Talgat Musabaev, cosmonaut and former head of the National Space Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
• Maria Victoria Alcaraz, professor of Russian Studies at University of Buenos Aires, Argentina;
• Oleg Gaidukevich, political leader from Belarus;
• Sergei Stepashin, political leader and Chairman of the Orthodox Palestinian Society;
• Russian diplomat Sergei Razov.
• An extraordinary young woman from South Africa Lindiwe Sisulu whose parents were imprisoned and tortured in their struggle for freedom and justice. She trained in the Russian Army, is an officer of the South African army and may become head of South Africa one day.
The award giving event was held at the magnificent Tsarist era Bolshoy Theatre where fabulous ballet performances and concerts and operas have been held for nearly two centuries. Invitees were high dignitaries, artists, musicians, writers, defence personnel. After the award was presented to the representative of African Union, the famous Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra played the 1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky accompanied by the chorus. It was a soul storming performance. The audience must have noted the significance of the 1812 Overture which celebrated Russian victory over Napoleon’s ill starred invasion of Russia in 1812.
There was a prèss conference before the event when journalists and reporters from Russian TV channels and newspapers asked questions. I was touched by the courtesy they showed to “an Indian lady, representative from India, our great friend.”
This inspiring event was accompanied by sailing at night along the Moskva River, visits to old monasteries, museums and palaces.
Best wishes,
Achala