“Besmertny Polk”: Kolkata participates in campaign to honour Russian veterans of World War II

By Aditi Bhaduri 

Kolkata witnessed an unusual scene recently.  Expatriate Russians who have made this city their home marched through the city to honour the “Immortal Regiment”.

“They are those who laid down their lives to defend the motherland in 1945 and eradicate fascism” explained Irina Malysheva Kol, the international coordinator of the campaign  in Kolkata. “The number of veterans who participated in the war is ever decreasing. This is to commemorate their velour, sacrifice, and contribution. ”

The Russian Federation will soon be celebrating the 79th anniversary of “Victory Day” on 9th May – the day Berlin fell to Soviet troops in 1945 beginning the end of the second world war and denazification of Europe.

In 2012 Russians began marking the “Immortal Regiment ‘ campaign – a public campaign, to honour the memory of those who had fought against fascism during what Russians call the “Great Patriotic War” of 1941-1945.

“Immortal Regiment” is supported annually in many countries around the world.  Traditionally, participants march in a column with photographs of their veteran relatives. Over the years increasing number of Russians living in different countries have joined the campaign.

Aditi Bhaduri

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