No restrictions on practice, propagation of Indian culture in Russia

New Delhi: Minister of State for External Affairs, Anand Sharma said on Wednesday that there are no restrictions on the practice and propagation of Indian culture in Russia.

In a reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, the minister said that the promotion of Indian culture and development of cultural interaction with the host country is an integral part of the activities of all Indian missions abroad.

The Government recognises the importance of cultural diplomacy in the attainment of India’s foreign policy objectives. It shall be the endeavour of the Government to further strengthen and expand the infrastructure and activities of Indian Cultural Centres abroad, he said.

Speaking about the shifting of the The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) temple to the new location in Moscow, Sharma said that the ISKCON Temple in Moscow was functional from 1989 till June 2004 when it was moved to a new location in the city, with the consent of the Temple authorities. Subsequently, the Moscow Prosecutor General’s Office issued a ruling that the relocation order for the ISKCON Temple was not legal.

However, Sharma said that it was understood that ISKCON representatives are working with the Moscow City Government to find a solution to their property related issue. The matter was taken up by the Government with the Russian authorities and consequently, it has been referred to the Moscow City Government.

He further went on to add that the Indian Council for Cultural Relations(ICCR)has established 18 cultural centres and two sub-centres for the promotion of Indian culture abroad.

Sharma further added that the ICCR has an ambitious programme of activities, including scholarships, organisation of Indian cultural festivals, exchange of cultural troupes of performing artistes, organisation of conferences, seminars, lectures and exhibitions, publication of cultural magazines and journals, exchange of distinguished visitors, dissemination of print and audio-visual material on Indian culture, including through a new revamped website etc.

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