Russian Language Day, Pushkin’s birthday celebrated at DU

The University of Dhaka celebrated the 227th birth anniversary of Alexander Pushkin, the founder of modern Russian literature, alongside Russian Language Day on Sunday.

The event took place on Sunday morning at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban premises of the university.

Prof Abdus Salam, pro-vice chancellor (academic) of the University of Dhaka, attended the event as the chief guest.

Alexandra A Khelvnoy, first secretary of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Bangladesh and director of the Russian House in Dhaka, was present as special guest.

Teachers, students, alumni, and representatives of the Russian House also participated in the programme.

Salam noted that global audiences recognise Pushkin as the pioneer of modern Russian literature.

He explained that Pushkin’s literary works, which embody human dignity, freedom, creativity, and cultural identity, continue to inspire people worldwide.

Read More

UAE ambassador meets home minister

He remarked that celebrating Pushkin Day honours both a great literary figure and the Russian language itself.

"Language serves as a bridge among nations and cultures, fostering mutual understanding, friendship, and cooperation," he said.

Salam further emphasised that the University of Dhaka actively encourages international academic and cultural exchanges.

He stressed the commitment of the university to developing a global outlook among students through literary activities, language education, and intellectual engagement.

He also praised the Russian House for strengthening educational and cultural ties between Bangladesh and Russia, while congratulating the students who are studying Russian language and literature.

Alexandra described Pushkin’s literary legacy as an invaluable component of world cultural heritage.

She noted that Russian Language Day celebrates linguistic diversity, cultural heritage, and mutual understanding on a global scale.

She stated that the Russian language opens doors to world-class science, literature, and advanced technology rather than just serving as a means of communication.

Learning Russian creates new opportunities for Bangladeshi students in higher education, research, and professional development, she added.

She further explained that proficiency in the Russian language helps students pursue higher education at Russian universities through Russian government scholarships.

She emphasised that learning foreign languages builds bridges between cultures and nations, and that students act as the future architects of Bangladesh-Russia relations.

She thanked the university authorities, faculty members, and students for promoting Russian language education at the University of Dhaka, and expressed optimism that the long-standing cooperation between the Russian House and the university would expand in the future.