Chandigarh: Pankaj Malviya, ex-Director and Professor of the Russian Department in Panjab University, is all set to win the prestigious Dostoevsky Star Award for his distinguished service in the domain of Russian literature, language, and culture.
The International Awards Collegium will honour Prof. Pankaj Malviya with the prestigious Dostoevsky Star Award at a special ceremony in November. The event will take place at the Russian Embassy in New Delhi.
A descendant of renowned Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky will present the award to Prof. Malviya. This honour recognises his outstanding contribution to Russian literature and his efforts to strengthen cultural ties between India and Russia.
Prof. Pankaj Malviya’s Contribution to Russian Literature Earns Dostoevsky Star Award
Prof. Pankaj Malviya has made it his mission to promote Russian literature and foster cultural relations between India and Russia. It is through his works that Russian authors who have been widely recognized for their literature have been brought closer to Indian readers.
Among his significant contributions include the translation of almost 200 Russian short stories into the Hindi language. These translations allowed the Hindi speaking readership to know about Russian literature and its immense literary tradition. He has also received worldwide recognition for his exceptional literary contributions such as the Dostoevsky Star award.
He is an author of ten books which contain stories, and has also translated three books from Hindi language to Russian language. His efforts have proved to be very helpful in connecting both countries through literature.
This way Prof. Malviya has successfully bridged the gap of language and culture with regard to promoting Russian literature in Hindi language.
From Economics Student to Russian Language Scholar
Interest in Russian literature developed in Prof. Pankaj Malviya during his studies in Economics in Panjab University in the 1980s.
After his graduation, he found that he had a keen interest in the Russian language. After that, he enrolled himself at the All India Institute of Russian Language to refine his language skills.
Developing interest in Russian literature had an important role in deciding his career path and gave him motivation for new projects.
After getting a diploma from the Russian language institute, he had the opportunity to pursue further education at an esteemed institution of Moscow.
How Leo Tolstoy Inspired Dostoevsky Star Award Honouree Prof. Pankaj Malviya
While visiting Moscow, Professor Pankaj Malviya researched the original works of famous Russian writer Leo Tolstoy.
He also researched the correspondence between Mahatma Gandhi and Leo Tolstoy. This enabled him to gain insight into their philosophy and thinking.
This proved to be a very significant experience for his academic career. It further motivated him to research Russian literature extensively.
Upon returning to India, he widened his linguistic abilities and learned Russian, English, and Sanskrit languages in Hyderabad.
Another International Recognition for Prof. Malviya
The Dostoevsky Star Award is yet another feather in the cap for the literary achievements of Prof. Pankaj Malviya.
IIn 2025, a relation of the famous Russian writer Leo Tolstoy conferred the Pushkin Medal upon Prof. Pankaj Malviya.
This award was for his contributions towards promoting the literature of Russia. It also recognized his contributions towards fostering cultural relations between India and Russia.
Prof. Pankaj Malviya retired from Panjab University in 2023. But he still contributes to translating and promoting Russian literature.
A Proud Moment for Panjab University and Indian Literature
Dostoevsky Star award is a commendable achievement for Prof. Pankaj Malviya and all the academicians associated with Panjab University.
A conversion of a student of economics into a famous Russian literary scholar has become possible due to his efforts in language learning, translation and teaching.
It indicates that literature can overcome barriers of geography and language.
At the moment when Prof. Pankaj Malviya is preparing himself for receiving this award in New Delhi, all his life-long contributions to the synthesis of Russian and Indian literature have been recognized.
Read More:- Prof. Karamjeet Singh Honoured with Punjab Rattan Award
Source:-Dainik Bhaskar
