Written by: Tehzeeb Hussain Bercha
Posted on: October 08, 2024 | 
Representation of different cultures at the festival. The writer, wearing a Gilgiti cap, is standing third from the right.
I have been of the view that the essence of travel lies not just in the exploration of unfamiliar territory, but in the interactions with the people who inhabit it. This impression was confirmed during my recent journey from Islamabad to Orenburg, Russia. The trip was not only about movement but an exchange of cultures, experiences and hospitality.
My journey to Russia was spurred by an invitation from the Russian Federal Agency for Youth Affairs, World Youth Festival Directorate and the Government of the Orenburg. I was to attend and deliver a speech at the International Youth Forum, "Eurasia Global" 2024, in Orenburg, a city rich in history, nestled on the edge of Europe and Asia. My connection with Russia perhaps began in my early youth when I used to read the Urdu-translated works of Russian classic writers such as Alexander Pushkin, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Anton Chekhov, Maxim Gorky and Leo Tolstoy at home. It was at that time that I was exposed to the Russian way of life and culture. It left me with a deep desire to visit Russia, should the opportunity arise. I was excited at the prospect of participating in such a prestigious event, and the opportunity to finally visit Russia.
Monument to Pushkin and Dal
Early morning of September 23, 2024, I embarked on this journey, boarding my flight from Islamabad with a sense of both excitement and curiosity. The flight to Abu Dhabi was a smooth one and as we touched down, I prepared for a lengthy layover. Little did I know that the layover would extend beyond the expected eight hours, adding an additional four hours to my wait. Despite the delay, my anticipated excitement at reaching Moscow, kept my spirits high.
After finally boarding my flight from Abu Dhabi to Moscow, I settled into my seat for the long journey ahead. There is something about air travel that has always appealed to me; perhaps it is the way the aircraft cuts through the clouds, steadfastly heading toward its destination, much like our own lives as we move through challenges with determination. Gazing out of the window as we soared above the earth, I couldn’t help but reflect on the parallels between the journey of life and this flight.
Orenburg bridge
We arrived at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport in the early hours of the morning, around 2:00 AM. Moscow’s vastness greeted me with an air of mystery. My next flight, a short two-and-a-half-hour hop to Orenburg, wasn’t scheduled until 6:35 AM, giving me a few hours to rest and prepare myself for what lay ahead. Despite the exhaustion from the long hours of travel, the excitement of finally arriving in Russia outweighed any weariness.
Landing in Orenburg was like stepping into a world that straddles both the past and the present. The city is known for its educational institutions, particularly Orenburg State Medical University, which attracts students from around the world, including many from Pakistan and India. Beyond academia, Orenburg is renowned for its beautiful, handcrafted Orenburg shawls, a product of the city’s rich cultural heritage.
What immediately struck me was the weather, it was colder than Moscow, with a crispness in the air that was invigorating. The city was in the full bloom of autumn, with the trees shedding their golden leaves. The sound of footsteps crunching on the dry leaves created a soundtrack that complemented the beauty of the landscape. This autumnal atmosphere reminded me of my childhood days in Gilgit, where the chill in the air and the yellow leaves falling to the ground would signal the arrival of winter.
Ural River view
The hospitality of the forum’s organizers was evident from the moment I arrived. After a quick transfer to the Fakel Hotel, situated in the Parkovy Prospekt area, we were given some time to freshen up and rest before the start of the event. However, a small incident during lunch highlighted both the cultural differences and the generosity of the people I was about to spend the week with. I had taken two bottles of water from the fridge in the hotel’s restaurant, only to be presented with a bill for 300 rubles. I had Visa and MasterCards, but as I quickly discovered, they don’t work in Russia. I handed the waitress a 5000-ruble note, which led to a good-natured laugh from her as she explained that they didn’t have change for such a large amount. A kind Russian woman sitting nearby offered to pay for me using her local credit card. I was deeply touched by her generosity, and when I attempted to repay her the next day, she refused, asking instead for a coin from my country as a souvenir. I happily obliged, presenting her with a Pakistani coin and gifting her son a traditional cap from Gilgit-Baltistan.
The opening ceremony of the Eurasia Global 2024 forum was a spectacular affair, held late into the night. The theme, "To be friends in Russian," resonated throughout the event. Local performance groups from Orenburg showcased their talent in a grand display of traditional and modern music, dance and art. The ceremony culminated in a live performance by a famous Russian artist, which truly set the tone for the days to come.
Cultural evening performance by the Orenburg State Academic Russian Folk Choir at the Orenburg Regional Philharmonic.
The following day, the forum officially began with a Foresight Session that brought together participants from across the globe. This was an intellectually stimulating discussion where ideas flowed freely, and participants shared their visions for building lasting friendships through global cooperation. The forum aimed to foster cross-cultural dialogue and promote peace through youth collaboration, and it was inspiring to see the enthusiasm with which participants embraced these goals.
During the opening ceremony, Daniil Bisslinger, Director General of the World Youth Festival Directorate (WYF), addressed the forum.
The evenings were equally enriching, and on the second night, we attended a cultural evening at the Orenburg Regional Philharmonic. The Orenburg State Academic Russian Folk Choir performed, and the music they played, deeply rooted in Russian culture, resonated with the audience. It was a powerful reminder of the way music transcends language barriers and brings people together in shared emotion.
You may also like:
