Dedicated to the 180th Anniversary of the Russian Geographical Society
Guwahati, Assam | 26 August 2025
A special tree-planting ceremony to inaugurate the Russian–Indian Friendship Forest was held on 26th August 2025 at Royal Global University (RGU), Guwahati, Assam. The programme was organised by the Centre of the Russian Geographical Society in India and the India–Russia Foundation, with the support of the Russian Friendship Society with India and the Russian Association for International Cooperation, in collaboration with Royal Global University and the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Assam.
The initiative, dedicated to the 180th Anniversary of the Russian Geographical Society, underscored environmental protection as a cornerstone of Indo–Russian cooperation. The act of planting saplings served as a powerful symbol of a greener tomorrow while celebrating the deep-rooted friendship and mutual trust between the peoples of India and Russia.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of several distinguished guests and dignitaries, including:
Shri Bhubaneswar Kalita, MP & Vice Chairman, Rajya Sabha (Panel); Chairman, Centre of the Russian Geographical Society in India
Dr. Ashok Kumar Pansari – Chancellor, Royal Global University, Guwahati
Shri Sudhir Pal Sabharwal – President, Centre of the Russian Geographical Society in India
Mr. Vladimir Polozkov – General Secretary, Russian Association for International Cooperation; Vice President, Friendship Society with India; Member, Russian Geographical Society
Mr. Fedor Rozovsky – Member, Governing Board, Friendship Society with India; Member, Russian Geographical Society
Ms. Elizaveta Stupanskaya – Deputy General Secretary, Russian Association for International Cooperation; Executive Secretary, Friendship Society with India; Member, Russian Geographical Society.
In addition, delegations from the Russian Association for International Cooperation, the India–Russia Friendship Society, the Russian Geographical Society, faculty members, and students of Royal Global University, invited guests from Assam’s academic and cultural circles were also present, making the event more vibrant and meaningful.
Shri Bhubaneswar Kalita delivered the keynote address, recalling the historic Indo–Russian ties and stressing that the Friendship Forest will remain a “living monument” of mutual cooperation. He highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts to protect the environment and pass on a sustainable legacy to future generations.
Distinguished Guests on the occasion, Dr. Ashok Kumar Pansari appreciated the significance of educational and cultural exchanges in promoting environmental awareness among youths and Students. Shri Sudhir Pal Sabharwal described the Friendship Forest as an enduring project of goodwill and cooperation. The Russian delegates warmly acknowledged the hospitality of their Indian counterparts and reaffirmed Russia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral collaboration across cultural, scientific, and ecological fields.
The ceremony concluded successfully with all participants joining in the tree-planting activity. The planted saplings will stand as a living symbol of Indo–Russian friendship, nurturing the environment while deepening cultural, educational, and scientific cooperation between the two nations.
Issued by:
Shri Sudhir Pal Sabharwal
President, Centre of the Russian Geographical Society in India
Camp : Guwahati
