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**Summary:**

The article details the history and ongoing significance of the Centre of Russian Studies (CRS) at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi as it approaches its 60th anniversary. Founded in 1965 as the Institute of Russian Studies, it aimed to bridge the gap in Russian language expertise needed for India’s growing industrial and defense collaborations with the Soviet Union. The article highlights the CRS’s golden era during the Cold War, the impact of the Soviet Union’s collapse on its faculty, and its continued importance in fostering India-Russia relations across various sectors. Alumni have made significant contributions in diplomacy, defense, translation, and interpretation. The article concludes with plans for a November celebration and efforts to bring back former Russian teachers to mark the milestone.

**News Article:**

**Headline: Delhi’s Centre of Russian Studies Turns 60, Remains Vital Bridge Between India and Russia**

**Byline: [Your Name Here]**

**NEW DELHI, October 5, 2025** – The Centre of Russian Studies (CRS) at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is gearing up to celebrate its 60th anniversary in November, marking six decades of fostering Indo-Russian understanding and collaboration. Established in 1965 as the Institute of Russian Studies, the institution was initially conceived to address a critical shortage of Russian language experts in India as the nation embarked on ambitious industrial projects with Soviet assistance, including the Bhilai and Bokaro steel plants.

“The vision was to create a community of Russian-speaking scholars who could serve as a bridge between Russia and India, supporting our long-term industrial and defence projects,” explains Prof. Varyam Singh, an alumnus and former professor at the CRS.

During the Cold War, the CRS flourished, attracting top Russian teachers and drawing students from the Indian Foreign Service, armed forces, and various government departments. Graduates went on to careers in diplomacy, intelligence, academia, and business. Notable alumni include Ved Kumar Sharma, a renowned translator of Russian classics, and Shipra Ghose, a seasoned interpreter who has served multiple Indian Prime Ministers, including the current Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The collapse of the Soviet Union brought changes, including the discontinuation of the agreement to host teachers from Russia.

Despite these shifts, the CRS remains a vital institution, with 300 students and 15 faculty members. “India always maintained good relations with Russia, but today, Indo-Russian relations are expanding in many fields — defence, space, energy, and culture,” says Prof. Kiran Singh Verma, the current Chairperson of the center.

As the CRS prepares for its anniversary celebration, organizers are working to invite former Russian teachers back to the center. A special collection documenting the achievements of CRS alumni is also planned for publication by the Central government.

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