From Delhi to Nalchik: A Roundtable Discussion «Dialogue of Cultures» held at KBSU

A roundtable discussion titled «KBSU: Dialogue of Cultures» was held at Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after Kh.M. Berbekov. The meeting was initiated by Zukhra Kuchukova, professor of the Department of Russian and Foreign Literature and Journalism at the Social and Humanitarian Institute of KBSU. The discussion took place in the auditorium named after the eminent cultural scholar G.D. Gachev.

Guests of the university included Alfiya Smirnova, PhD in Philology and professor of the Department of Russian Literature at Moscow City Pedagogical University and Dr. Nilakshi Suryanarayan, former head of the Department of Slavic-Finno-Ugric Studies at the University of Delhi (India).

Opening the meeting, Khakim Gegraev, deputy director of the Social and Humanitarian Institute of KBSU, noted that friendly ties between scholars always form a powerful foundation for the development of serious scientific and educational cooperation.

He recalled that KBSU has always been a center of attraction for different peoples: in 1957, it became the first classical university in the North Caucasus, and in 1982, it was awarded the Order of Friendship of Peoples for its contribution to personnel training. Today, this tradition is only growing stronger.

«A number of centers promoting intercultural cooperation have been established at the university: the Russian Language and Culture Research Center, and the Adyghe and Balkar Cultural Centers. And recently, thanks to the efforts of Zukhra Akhmatovna Kuchukova, we opened the Gachev Center. Students from Africa, Asia and neighboring countries regularly gather here—together, we discover new cultures,» Khakim Gegrayev emphasized.

In gratitude for the Caucasian hospitality, Alfia Smirnova presented the university with a specially prepared textbook.

During the discussion, the focus was on how contemporary literary studies uses intercultural communication to bring peoples closer together. According to Alfiya Smirnova, comparative literature is one of the leading fields of study today.

The guests were asked to answer a difficult question: which Russian classics are most understandable and relatable to international students?

«If we’re talking about the student community, it’s definitely Pushkin. Poetry can be difficult to translate, but it’s felt in the heart and soul. I would also recommend Griboyedov—»Woe from Wit» is incredibly modern and timeless. Chekhov with his short stories, Turgenev with his nature themes, Bunin, Gogol… I wouldn’t want to miss any of the Russian classics,» the Moscow State Pedagogical University professor shared.
Alfiya Smirnova also noted that the methodology of Georgy Dmitrievich Gachev, after whom the lecture hall is named, remains incredibly relevant. His work, «National Images of the World,» helps us discover the «code» of another culture, and the «natural code» serves as a universal key to mutual understanding between peoples.

Dr. Nilakshi Suryanarayan explained that the tradition of teaching Russian in India dates back over 70 years (the first department opened in 1948). What attracts Indian youth to Russia today?

«Indian students admire the activism of Russian youth and how quickly they connect. They enjoy messaging and participating in cultural exchanges. But most importantly, when reading Russian literature, they discover values ​​that resonate with them. Indians believe that family relationships in Russia are very similar to ours; they feel that Russians and Indians are similar in many ways,» noted Nilakshi Suryanarayan.

The speakers also shared the literary preferences of international students. Oddly enough, one of the most beloved works among Indians is Karamzin’s «Poor Liza»—a touching and tragic love story with plot echoes of popular Indian films. Foreign readers are also eagerly exploring Dostoevsky, Akhmatova, and Aitmatov, and, with the help of teachers, are tackling the complexities of «The Master and Margarita.»

The roundtable discussion also included a discussion of impressions of Kabardino-Balkaria itself. This was Dr. Suryanarayan’s first visit to the republic, and it was truly delightful.

«Nalchik is a very cozy, green city. Some places in the center even reminded me of Delhi: low-rise buildings, lots of trees, and greenery. But what struck me most was the people. Your hospitality is so open and warm that this impression will stay with me for the rest of my life,» admitted a guest from India. Professor Alfiya Smirnova, who has been collaborating with KBSU since the 1990s, noted the high level of the university’s philological and literary schools, calling them «stellar.»

The roundtable discussion «KBSU: Dialogue of Cultures» demonstrated that the university remains more than just an educational institution but a true bridge connecting the traditions of the Caucasus, the depth of Russian classics and the rich cultures of Asia and Africa.