Russian Indologist Irina Glushkova has been nominated as the ambassador of Maharashtra tourism and culture by CM Devendra Fadnavis in Russia. Fadnavis, who held an interaction with the noted scholar after reaching Ekaterinburg in Russia, said, “Dr Irina Glushkova’s dedication to pursue the research works on Maratha kings and language and culture of Maharashtra is well known. Today, personally interacting with her was a great inspiration. The state government feels proud to nominate her as ambassador of Maharashtra’s tourism and culture in Russia.”
Fadnavis also handed over an official letter from principal secretary of tourism and culture to Glushkova on nominating her as the honorary ambassador for Maharashtra in Russia. She will assist the tourism department in organising roadshows and other events to spread awareness on Maharashtra. She is scheduled to visit Maharashtra in October 2016, when further discussions will be held.
Glushkova is working as an Indologist and Marathi language expert at the Centre for Indian Studies, Institute of Oriental Studies, Russia Academy of Sciences. Her pursuit of Maharashtra’s language, history, culture and tradition brought her to Pune during 1970s, where she learnt the Marathi language. She is also well versed with the studies on Dynaneshwari and Varkari culture.
The Russian Indologist has edited books titled, “Death in Maharashtra: Imagination, Perception, Expression” and “Home, Family and Kinship in Maharashtra”.
