"Unraveling the Mysteries of Bharat": India Between History and Modernity

The Library for Foreign Literature (Inostranka) hosted a lecture titled "Unraveling the Mysteries of Bharat," organised by the BRICS Expert Council-Russia together with the BRICS+ Information and Cultural Media Centre. The event was held as part of the III Annual Indian Culture Days Festival.

Tatiana Shaumyan, Candidate of Sciences (PhD) in History, Head of the Centre for Indian Studies at the Institute of Oriental Studies under the Russian Academy of Sciences, explored the evolution of modern India, its political and economic landscape, along with its aspiration to reclaim its historical name, Bharat. According to the expert, India's distinctive character stems from its blend of constitutional federalism, mass political engagement, and a substantial industrial base, all coexisting with social traditions deeply rooted in its history. The Indian Constitution stands as one of the world's most stable yet adaptable founding documents: it permits the redrawing of internal borders, officially recognises the dual name "India/Bharat," while firmly prohibiting any form of separatism.

Prof. Shaumyan also highlighted that India is one of the world's youngest nations, with about 70% of its population under 30 and voter turnout consistently reaching 60–70%. Key economic sectors include electronics, IT, and pharmaceuticals—India produces nearly a quarter of the world's medicinal drugs. The lecture also addressed the social fabric of Indian society, where caste distinctions continue to exist as cultural realities despite laws banning any type of discrimination.

Concluding her presentation, the expert underscored that the synergy of demographic vitality, industrial capability, and political stability positions India as a pivotal player in the global economy and multilateral political frameworks, including BRICS.