Speakers at the Inaugural Ceremony of the Film Festival “The Great Victory” on April 24, 2015 at the Russian Centre of Science and Culture in New Delhi paid glowing tributes to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War while recalling their exploits and feats, sacrifice and sufferings. The war-oriented and war-related films being screened at the festival reflected an appeal to the present generation to imbibe the spirit and impact of the war.
The five-day film festival, jointly organised by the Russian Centre of Science and Culture and the Citizens’ Film Forum, was aimed at marking the 70th Anniversary of the Victory over Fascism in the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945). The Brest Fortress was the inaugural film.
Dr. G.D. Bakshi, Editor of Indian Military Review, who had seen action in different wars, in his emotional and impassioned speech, made an emphatic call on inculcating the reality of the victory over fascism in the Great Patriotic War and its significant impact in the global context in the minds of the present generation. He dwelt at length upon the heaviest human toll and massive destruction that the erstwhile Soviet Union underwent in comparison with the alliance partners, and appreciated the important role of the country in saving humanity from fascist menace once and for all.
Sergey Karmalito, Senior Counsellor of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in India, thanked the organisers of the function in commemorating a historical landmark event which changed the destiny of mankind. He pointed out that the occasion is marked throughout his country and cited that the President of India was going to attend the Victory Parade in Moscow next month.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Fedor Rozovskiy, Director of Russian Centre of Science and Culture, recalled that World War II to the people of his country was the Great Patriotic War given the record human casualty of 27 million people and the terrible destruction and devastations that his country had suffered.
Lt. Col. Anil Bhat lauded the glory achieved by the Red Army and the people of the country through sheer sacrifice and sufferings taking a lead among the allied forces in defeating the German war machinery and erasing fascism. He felt the need of consistent research in bringing out truths and exploding the myths revolving around global wars.
Vimal Mehta, Hon. Secretary of Citizens’ Film Forum, underlined the need for organising more and more film festivals to educate the young generation on the consequences of wars and the imperative of containing them for development and progress.
Aakshat Sinha, Joint Secretary of Citizens’ Film Forum, was the moderator of the programme.
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