Appreciating Russian Indologists for their contribution in promoting better understanding of India in Russia, President Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday said it was "important to inspire the younger generation to engage in Indological research".The president, who is on a five-day visit to Russia, interacted with prominent Indologists of Russia and appreciated their work, an official statement said.Addressing the Indologists, Mukherjee said their work ensures that they are always inter-connected with India and its history, culture, heritage, politics and arts."India appreciates their contribution in promoting better understanding of India in Russia. At the same time, it is also important to inspire the younger generation to engage in Indological research by giving it contemporary relevance and making it not only intellectually stimulating but also professionally rewarding," he said.
The president also announced that the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) will institute an annual Distinguished Indologist award for promoting Indology aboard.The ICCR will organise a regional conference on Sanskrit and Indology in Russia.Support for the Indian Chair in the Institute of Philosophy of the Russian Academy of Social Sciences from ICCR will also be continued for another two years, he announced.