SPPU Professor Honoured with Prestigious Russian Literary Award
In a significant recognition of her contributions to Slavic studies, Dr Anagha Bhat-Behere, an assistant professor at Savitribai Phule Pune University's Department of Foreign Languages, has been honoured with the distinguished Dostoevsky Star Award. The award ceremony took place on November 12 in New Delhi, where Dr Bhat-Behere was among nine recipients celebrated for their outstanding achievements in Russian studies.
A Moment of Double Honour
The award presentation became particularly memorable as it was handed to Dr Bhat-Behere by Alexei Dmitrievich Dostoevsky, the great-great-grandson of the legendary Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky himself. "I was honoured and happy," Professor Bhat-Behere told The Indian Express. "It was a double delight because I received it at the hands of Dostoevsky's great-great-grandson." The event was organized with support from the Rossotrudnichestvo Representative Office in India and the Centre for Russian Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).
Bridging Cultures Through Literature
The award certificate specifically acknowledged Dr Bhat-Behere's extensive work in promoting Russian language, literature, and culture within India. It highlighted that her research works, academic books, and organized academic programs serve as "bright examples of your efforts in bringing Russia and India closer."
Dr Bhat-Behere's academic credentials are impressive—she holds a PhD in Russian and specializes in multiple fields including:
- Linguistics
- Lexicology
- Translation studies
- Comparative literature
Her contributions extend beyond the classroom. She founded the journal Kelyane Bhashantar, which supports translation from foreign languages into Marathi, serving as its chief editor from 2011 to 2016. She has also published numerous translations of Russian literary works into Marathi and compiled a comprehensive trilingual Marathi-Russian-German dictionary.
Dostoevsky's Enduring Global Legacy
Speaking about the Russian literary giant whose name graces the award, Dr Bhat-Behere noted that Dostoevsky's literature represents a milestone in world literature, appreciated by luminaries such as Albert Einstein and Franz Kafka. She emphasized how Indian popular culture, particularly cinema, has frequently drawn inspiration from Dostoevsky's works.
"His novella White Nights has found expression on Bollywood and south cinema screens," she explained. "Currently, a stage adaptation of this novella, Chandani Ratein, is being performed. Such enduring popularity across the globe for 200-odd years comes because Dostoevsky truly touches the human soul."
Dr Bhat-Behere's influence extends to broader platforms as well—she delivered a TEDx Talk titled 'Speaking for Ourselves: How Language Shapes our World', where she explored language as a tool for understanding, communication, and artistic expression.
The Dostoevsky Star Award, named after the 19th-century Russian novelist renowned for masterpieces like Crime and Punishment and The Brothers Karamazov, recognizes individuals who advance the understanding of Russian literature and culture globally. Dostoevsky's works continue to resonate for their profound exploration of psychology, crime, redemption, philosophy, and faith.
This recognition not only celebrates Dr Bhat-Behere's individual achievements but also highlights the growing cultural and academic exchange between India and Russia, strengthening the literary and educational bonds between the two nations.
