On May 5, the Kazan Innovative University named after V.G. Timiryasov became the venue for a significant diplomatic and cultural event — the official visit of Mr. Jaisundhar D., Consul General of the Republic of India in Kazan.

The visit confirmed the high international status of KIU as a leading scientific and educational center of the Volga region and one of Russia's most active universities in the BRICS expert agenda.

Traditions of Hospitality

The Consul General was greeted by a delegation led by KIU Rector Asiya Timiryasova, along with vice-rectors, and a honorary presentation of national dishes and costumes of the Republic of Tatarstan. This warm, homely welcome set the tone for all subsequent communication, emphasizing the unity of cultures and sincere respect for the Indian guest.

Bookish Wisdom and Cultural Code

The university tour began with a story about the university's history, followed by a visit to the KIU publishing house "Cognition". The Consul General was presented with an impressive exhibition of books, among which a special place was occupied by publications on Tatar culture and the history of the Tatar people, works from KIU's research institutes, as well as current works on combating corruption and developing civil society institutions.

Of particular interest was the book "BRICS: A Russian View," as well as a unique publication released on the 80th anniversary of the Victory — "The Great Patriotic War of the Soviet People" by Brazilian researchers, who, it was emphasized, decided to become a voice of truth. Fiction literature, a book of poems by Chinese authors, and a biography of the founder and first rector of KIU, Vitaly Timiryasov, were also presented. The guest highly appreciated the university's scientific journals: Russian Journal of Economics and Law and the Journal of Digital Technologies and Law.

Art Without Borders: India Through the Eyes of Students and Teachers

The Consul was shown the comfortable KIU dormitories, where all conditions for student living are created. This was followed by a vibrant exhibition of artwork by KIU students dedicated to Indian culture. The paintings by KIU teacher Polina Ilyushkina, inspired by her travels to India, particularly resonated with Mr. Jaisundhar D. According to the artist, each canvas tells its own unique story and carries the imprint of time.

KIU Museum and BRICS Laboratory: Pride of the University

In the KIU museum, the guest was reminded of the university's glorious history, victories, and achievements. For instance, a notable event was the visit of the Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, who gave the university a "5+" in a symbolic grade book. Mr. Jaisundhar left a commemorative message for the university, which will henceforth be kept in the museum. A central element of the exhibition was the "Great Teachers of BRICS" display, where a symbolic tree with matryoshka dolls stylized to represent the peoples of the BRICS countries caught the high guest's attention.

The culmination was a visit to the legendary BRICS Auditorium, opened at KIU personally by Sergey Ryabkov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and Russia's Sherpa in BRICS. Key milestones in the association's history were presented here. Professor Oleg Agapov, Advisor to the KIU Rector, detailed the project "BRICS: Values That Unite Us" for the Consul, as well as the BRICS Youth Day successfully held at KIU. Within the walls of our university, the BRICS Youth Anthem was performed for the first time. Oleg Agapov also spoke about the round table "BRICS Development Dynamics 2024–2026: The Role of India," where the civilizational role and global initiatives of the Indian side were thoroughly discussed.

Students from India currently studying at KIU spoke before the Consul General. They shared sincere impressions that living in Russia is a wonderful and amazing experience. In turn, Rector Asiya Timiryasova emphasized that the university is ready to continue accepting students from India, creating the best conditions for them and immersing them in a unique educational and cultural environment.

Business Part: Prospects for Cooperation

Participating in the main part of the meeting were: KIU Rector Asiya Timiryasova, President of the Regional Public Organization "BRICS. World of Traditions" Lyudmila Sekacheva, First Vice-Rector Igor Bikeev, Vice-Rector for Youth Policy Ruslan Zagitov, and Head of the Department of International Relations Ekaterina Nikitina.

The Rector presented KIU as a leading scientific and educational center of the Volga region with over 16,000 students, emphasizing the great attention paid to international students. A vivid example was given: students from India enthusiastically participated in the Orthodox feast of Epiphany — immersing themselves in an ice hole — and they greatly enjoyed this experience. The Rector also spoke about the extensive training programs available to international students at KIU, preparatory Russian language schools, instruction in English, and outlined possible areas for future cooperation.

Mr. Jaisundhar D. noted that he is deeply impressed by the university's research and sees broad opportunities for cooperation between KIU and Indian universities.

One University, One Family

Lyudmila Sekacheva, President of the organization "BRICS. World of Traditions," recalled the thesis of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Ryabkov that KIU is a university ready for the most active cooperation within BRICS. She spoke about the cultural and business program "BRICS Peoples Choose Life," the project "Great Teachers of BRICS" in collaboration with the Republic of Tatarstan and KIU named after V.G. Timiryasov, and presented memorable gifts to the Consul.

In response, the Consul General presented the university with a luxurious edition of "Style of India." KIU Rector presented the guest with a book published by KIU about the famous scientist K. Fuchs, the edition "The Great Patriotic War of the Soviet People," books dedicated to the traditions of the Tatars and peoples of the republic, and a particularly valuable copy — "Treasures of Tatar Cuisine" with authentic recipes.

The visit confirmed: KIU is not only open to the world but is also itself shaping the global youth and educational agenda, where India and Russia are reliable partners and friends.