Russia marks golden jubilee of Ramayana's theatrical debut

Octogenarian Gennady Mikhailovich Pechnikov, who remains the only professional artist to play the role of Lord Rama on stage in Europe, recalled that India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had personally visited the theatre to see Ramayana staged here.

At a colourful function organised by the local NGO 'The Parade of Russian-Indian Heritage' in the Russian Youth Theatre (formerly Children's Theatre) yesterday, Deputy Culture Minister Andrei Busygyn underscored that only in Russia, which is on the same wavelength with the Indian soul, an epic like Ramayana could be staged 50 years back in 1960.

Busygyn did not rule out that after almost 20 years of non-stop performance, the Ramayana could be again revived on the Russian stage as it values are immortal. Recognising Pechnikov's role, Indian charge d'affaires Anil Trigunayat reminded the gathering that the artist was honoured with the Padma Shri.

Recalling his meetings with Nehru, Indira and Sonia Gandhi, Pechnikov said that they had warmly welcomed the Russian version of Ramayana and in India it was presented without translation.

It was perfectly understood by common people, who even sought his blessings after the performances in Lucknow, Patna and many other cities of India, he said. Specifically addressing the young Russian generation present at the function, Pechnikov said that the role of Rama has entirely changed his life.

"When I first visited India, I understood that the heroes of our play -- Rama, Sita and Hanuman are worshipped like gods. Ramayana is India's national idea and is a symbol of good-governance, which we lack in the modern societies," Pechnikov said.

He told that schools in some Russian regions are now staging parts of Ramayana, which has an immense appeal to the Russian soul. The golden jubilee of Ramayana's first performance here concluded with a cultural programme staged by the children of two countries.