“Youth in BRICS’’ an initiative to bring forth the multilateral approaches of the youth in BRICS member countries Celebrating 70thYear of Diplomatic Relations

The Photo Exhibition “Youth in BRICS” held at the Russian Centre of Science and Culture (RCSC) was organised by the endeavour of Cultural Department of the Embassy of Russian Federation in India and BRICS International Forum (India) in association with International Federation of Indo-Russian Youth Clubs and Forum of Indian Photographers and Artists. The exhibition was dedicated to the journey of youth in the BRICS format and recently held 3rd BRICS Youth Summit/ BRICS Youth Forum at Beijing from 24 to 28 July 2017. It also marked the active youth participation and proving to be a potential drive for the future of BRICS group showcasing the key initiates and action plan formulated for youth development. The event was organised in the commemoration of 70th years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Russia.

“Youth in BRICS” an annual project aimed at strengthening the youth participation and empowerment in educational, entrepreneurial, research, development, humanitarian, media and employment fields. The goal is to consolidate the youth of BRICS countries around the idea of strengthen international ties and develop international approach for the well being at a global level.

BRICS International Forum formally announced the hashtag #YOUTHinBRICS to mark the activities in the youth spheres of BRICS activities and requested all partners, supports, followers and stakeholders to use the hashtag at all social media platforms.

Chief Guest of the exhibition Smt. Kiran Soni Gupta spoke about the voice of youth in our country. Special emphasis was given to the XIX World Festival of Youth and Students (WFYS) in Sochi. As India is sending delegation to various countries to involve the youth at global level. She ensured alternative ways in which government support can be extended to the youth of BRICS countries.

Honorable Guest Mr. Jose Carlos Silvestre Fernandes (Political Section), Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil in India expressed his willingness for the need of youth exchange programmes under BRICS forums for promoting a better understanding in the fields of culture and humanitarian cooperation. He quoted that there is much more to learn about Brazil by the youth of BRICS member nations and vice-versa.

Honorable Guest Mr. Zang Zhihong, Cultural Counsellor, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in India appreciated the efforts of BRICS photo exhibition. He said, during IX BRICS Summit, China will work with all countries concerned on the implementation of the consensus reached at the previous summits to expand partnership and write a new chapter in the history of cooperation within BRICS”. Chinese Presidency of BRICS is focused to strengthen the practical cooperation in all areas, improve people’s well-being and open up a brighter future for the common development of the five countries. He talked about the aspirations of the youth in BRICS countries and how encouragement of the youth is necessary. He further added similarities between India and China in the context of community and ethnicity. He informed that the 9th BRICS Summit to be held in September, 2017 in China’s Xiamen city.

Honorable Guest Mr. Sergey V. Karmalito, Senior Counsellor, Embassy of the Russian Federation in India highlighted the activities of young generations of five member nations. Special emphasis was given to the world’s largest youth festival in Sochi, Russia. He talked about ways to strengthen unity in the five member nations. Informed the gathering about importance and celebrations of 70th year of diplomatic relations, remarkable decision were taken by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October last year during 8th BRICS summit at Goa.

Attention of the audience was automatically arrested by the speech of Honorable Guest Mr. Nandan Unnikrishnan, Vice President and Senior Fellow, Observer Research Foundation expressing his gratitude to the audience. He spoke about how the bunch of few countries decided to change the world. With a small initiate called BRICS, and the fuel for every successful nation of an organisation is the involvement of youth. His modest and simplistic approach was really appreciated by the audience.

Mr. Presidoe Okuguni, public relations coordinator, Association of African Students in India (AASI) extended his gratitude to the organizers of the exhibition. He added that there are many other potential countries in the African region, who are willing to join the BRICS group and their inclusion will surely boost the BRICS momentum.

Opening remarks were made by Mr. Alexey V. Baev, acting director, Russian Centre of Science and Culture, Cultural Department of the Embassy of Russian Federation in India. He made a special emphasis on the declaration adopted by the BRICS leaders during the last summit held in Goa, which should be realized by the youth and they should work actively in these directions. He also wished that youth will realize various projects in order to work together for the prevention of challenges, which new generation is facing. He also extended his support to the youth activities in BRICS spheres on behalf of RCSC.

Earlier a heartwarming welcome to all the honorable guests was extended by Mrs Purnima Anand, President, International Federation of Indo-Russian Youth Clubs and BRICS International Forum. She spoke about the importance of youth involvement in the BRICS member countries and the necessity to empower the youth through various programs. She added the contribution and support of Mr. Fedor Rozovsky, Director, Russian Centre of Science and Culture, New Delhi to build the strong network of Indian friendship organisations.

Concluding the event Mr. Mohammad Akil, representative of the BRICS International Forum (India) showcased the agenda of the interactive session beside the photo exhibition “Youth in BRICS”-

Proposed the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India to consider the work done by the Forum and allow the forum to organise interactive sessions with foreign delegates visiting India under bilateral exchange programs within BRICS, SCO and Eurasia region.

Announce the year 2018-19 as the years of youth exchange between India and Russia in commemoration of the 70th year of establishment of diplomatic relations.

Organising a meeting of BRICS Youth Ministers on the sidelines of XIX World Festival of Youth and Students to initiate the talks on the establishment of BRICS Youth Assembly to engage public organisation under the action plan adopted during the first BRICS Youth Summit held in Kazan. To organize India Russia Youth Parliament dedicated to the celebrations of 70th years of establishment of diplomatic relations with the support of Ministry of External Affairs (Eurasia Division), Government of India and Embassy of the Russian Federation in India.

To organise interactive dialogues with youth from Brazil to celebrate the 70th years of establishment of India-Brazil diplomatic relations in 2018-19 under guidance of Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil in India. Vote of Thanks was extended by Mr. Vimal Mehta, Founder President, Forum of Indian Photographers & Artists.

The successful event of photo exhibition “Youth in BRICS” along with interactive session with the dignitaries was witnessed by enthusiastic young audience who marked their presence – a step towards being a youth leader in the multi dynamic world with multi-lateral opportunities.

The exhibition will remain open till August 15, 2017 from 10:00 AM to 07:00 PM for visitors.