HISTORY REVISITED: M.M. Lakhera, Lt. Governor of Pondicherry (centre), Alexei V. Solodov, Director, Russian Cultural Centre (left), and Mikhail M. Mgeladze, Consul-General of the Russian Federation in South India, looking at photographs on Russia's V ictory over fascism, in Chennai on Tuesday. — Photo: S.R. Raghunathan .

CHENNAI: Speakers at a meeting on Tuesday to mark the 60th anniversary of Russia's victory over fascism recalled the role played by the Soviet leadership in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945.

Lieutenant Governor of Pondicherry M.M. Lakhera, chief guest, said the world should draw proper lessons from World War II. All countries should stand united in the fight against international terrorism, which was worse than fascism.

Inaugurating an exhibition highlighting the victory over fascism at the Russian Cultural Centre here, he said international terrorism took roots as nations stood divided.

He stressed the need for cementing the cooperation between India and Russia as both of them were affected by terrorism. The world community should be reorganised to fight the monster.

Victory over fascism became possible, thanks to the resistance put up by the Soviet Army and the sacrifice of the people. Russia lost 27 million people, including 87 lakh officers and soldiers of the Red Army. Almost 30 per cent of its wealth was destroyed. He recalled the Indian Army's contribution to the war.

Dravidar Kazhagam president K. Veeramani recalled party founder Periyar E.V. Ramasamy's visit to the Soviet Union in the early 1930s and his writings highlighting the achievements of that country.

`An epic victory'

A.M. Gopu, national council member of the Communist Party of India, described the victory over fascism as an "epic" victory. The Soviet Union bore the brunt of the Nazi onslaught. The fascists were opposed to the cultural heritage of the entire humanity, he said.

N. Ram, Editor-in-Chief, The Hindu, flayed attempts to downplay the great role played by the Red Army and the Soviet citizens in defeating the greatest evil: fascism.

Time-tested friendship

Even as India and Russia shared memories of the victory, the time-tested friendship between the two countries should be revitalised.

Referring to the talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, he said both leaders initiated new ideas for ventures relating to peaceful use of atomic energy, apart from supply of oil to India.

India, Russia and China had a great deal in common to oppose attempts to turn the world into a unipolar one, Mr. Ram added.

Consul-General of the Russian Federation in South India Mikhail M. Mgeladze recalled his country's contribution to end the war and liberate the world from fascism. Alexei V. Solodov, Director, Russian Cultural Centre, handed over a souvenir on the Great Patriotic War to Lt.Gen .(retd.) Lakhera.

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