More than 200 students, who are members of the Youth Wing of the International Russophile Movement, gathered at Girijananda Chowdhury University as part of the ongoing expansion of the movement’s youth activities in India.

The meeting coincided with the 83rd anniversary of the Soviet victory in the Battle of Kursk, one of the most decisive battles of the Second World War. The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Kandarpa Das, addressed the students and explained the historical significance of the Battle of Kursk and the downfall of Operation Citadel. He highlighted the importance of understanding the sacrifices made during the Second World War and preserving the memory of those who fought against Nazi Germany. The students also sang the famous Russian wartime song “Katyusha”.

Historical background on the Battle of Kursk: The Battle of Kursk, fought from July 5 to August 23, 1943, was a major turning point on the Eastern Front during WWII, representing the last strategic offensive the German army was able to mount against the Soviet Union. The battle was centered around a large Soviet-held salient (bulge) near the city of Kursk, which the Germans planned to encircle and destroy in a pincer movement named Operation Citadel. The Soviets, having intelligence of the plan, prepared deeply layered defenses, including extensive minefields and anti-tank fortifications, to wear down the German armored spearheads. The fighting culminated in the massive, though often misunderstood, tank engagement at Prokhorovka on July 12, where the Soviets halted the southern German advance. Ultimately, the German offensive failed, and after this defeat, the strategic initiative permanently passed to the Red Army, which launched a series of successful counter-offensives that would push the Germans steadily back towards Berlin.