The BRICS International Forum, India organized a seminar on “Russia-India special privileged strategic partnership and the prospects of cooperation within the framework of BRICS" with special focus on India-Russia relations, in cooperation with Russian Centre of Science and Culture and Unity International Foundation.During the course of the seminar, Ms Purnima Anand, President of BRICS International Forum showcased the work of Forum in past 1 year to support youth cooperation within BRICS nations. She marked a great significance of 10 point initiative ‘Dus Kadam: 10 Steps for the Future’ proposed by Honorable Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi Ji during 7th BRICS summit at Ufa Russia to boost cooperation within the members of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa).
Ms. Anand announced the formation of a BRICS and SCO business club in India, to support startup business initiatives and skill development trainings to help "Make in India" Project a success. She invited young businessmen and entrepreneurs to become members of the club to enable a larger business community within the BRICS nations. “We hope to form a successful BRICS and SCO business club soon, which will organize a BRICS business forum in India by October, 2015. All member entrepreneurs and businessmen can participate in Business forum to seek opportunities also they will be eligible to apply for BRICS Forum to be held in South Africa in November, 2015” Ms Purnima Anand said.
The seminar saw Dr Bhishma Narayan Singh, former Governor of Assam gracing the event as the Chief Guest along with a bevy of dignitaries from both Russia and India. Dr Singh, who was also a cabinet minister in Ms Indira Gandhi’s government, expressed his happiness over the initiative led by the youth in furthering relations between the BRICS nations. He also marked the role of NGO’s like the BRICS International Forum in sustainable development and awareness in the society.“Even Indira ji used to encourage and appreciate the importance of NGO’s in the society. These organizations help to take forward work, which the governments begin,” Singh said.
One minute silence was observed at the seminar to pay tribute to former President of India Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.The evening saw an address by Mr. Alexander Zhmerev, Head of Science and Technology at the Russian Centre of Science and Culture, a supportive force behind the successful seminar. He marked the importance of annual BRICS summits and mentioned the great success one after one. The Secretary General of Unity International Foundation, Mr. R N Anil in his address emphasized the deep bond which has existed between Russia and India over the decades adding that “Yeh Dosti Hamesha Amar Rahegi”. He also congratulated the BRICS nations on the final formation of the BRICS Bank, which has been named as the New Development Bank.Other eminent speakers at the event included former Governor of Sikkim Mr. B P Singh, four time Member of Parliament Sqn. Ldr. Kamal Kumar Choudhary
Sharing diverse views on the validity and usefulness of the BRICS nations was Ms Jitendra Khanna, author of “Envisioning Siberia awakening of the Sleeping Land”, who discussed the importance of the BRICS acronym across the world.
Mr. Praveen Gupta, Chairman of Indian Newspaper and Journalists Society talked about the great history of India Russia relations. He also stressed to focus on creating a BRICS focused journalist groups which can play a key role in awareness about BRICS.The seminar also saw participation from young representatives from the Embassy of Russian Federation in India Mr Nikita Shulga and Mr Geleb Gil. They highlighted the initiatives of Russian Government for BRICS development and increasing sustainable growth between the BRICS nations. They also mentioned that Russia is open for opportunities in the fields of Science and Innovation.The head of the Indian Youth delegation at BRICS & SCO Youth Forum, Ufa
Ms Malvika Shastri shared her experience of the conference as well as highlighted the role of the Youth in strengthening and furthering relations between the BRICS nations. She discussed the proposals shared by Youth delegates at Forum and highlighted the significance of such forums for youth involvement and empowerment.