Prof Arun Mohanty of JNU Received Pushkin Gold Medal

Professor Arun Mohanty of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) was awarded the prestigious Pushkin Gold Medal on 13 February 2011 for his contribution to studies on Russia and promotion of bilateral cultural ties and friendship. He received the award from Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. Apart from teaching teaching at the JNU School of International Studies, Prof. Mohanty also heads the New Delhi-based Eurasian Foundation as well as edits Eurasian Report.

Prof. Mohanty had graduated from the famed Moscow State University and had spent 30 years of his life in Russia. He later taught at Russian varsities and worked at Russian and Indian newspapers. He was the first foreign correspondent with Moscow Radio World service and wrote a number of books and monographs on Indo-Russian ties and international relations.

The Pushkin Gold Medal instituted in 1977 is the highest honorary award given in recognition of outstanding contributions to the promotion of the Russian language and culture. More than 10 Indian scholars and public figures have been awarded the medal in the past.