Krishna Setty felicitated by the Russian Academy of Arts

Russian Academy of Arts bestowed a very prestigious honorary membership of the academy to Krishna Setty, administrator and head of Lalit Kala Akademi. The honour was given on the occasion of the 260th anniversary of The Russian Art Academy, in the presence of its members.

So far, 84 persons have got this award worldwide. Personalities like Princess Chantal of France, Ban Ki-moon and Zubin Mehta have been awarded this honour. After recipients like Padma Vibhushan Satish Gujral, one of the pioneers of contemporary Indian art, artist and Fulbright scholar O P Sharma, Setty is the third artist from India to get this rare honour in 260 years of the history of the Academy.

Honorary members are elected among the outstanding figures of world culture and arts, as well as those, who by their active charitable activity and sponsorship, greatly contributed to the development of the Academy and Russian culture in general. The number of academicians and corresponding members is determined by the academy assembly.

Setty shared, "Russia is India's oldest friend and ally and with its strong cultural heritage, is a very significant centre for world culture. Everybody from Moscow greeted me as if I have won the Noble Prize! I have no words to express this unexpected joy. This is not only my honour, it's the honour for our country and our culture. Yes, this is the time for celebration."

Setty was invited to give keynote address in 'The International Forum on Culture' in Moscow, on September 19. Also, he was asked to address the 260th general assembly of the Academy, on September 21.