VARANASI, Dec. 10 -- A Russian delegation, which reached India along with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his recent visit to India, visited Sampurnanand Sanskrit University (SSU), Varanasi, on Tuesday. SSU vice-chancellor Bihari Lal Sharma welcomed the delegation and said, "India and Russia share a unique friendship, cultural similarities, and a sense of dedication towards each other. Today, two intellectual powers in the world (India and Russia) are committed to preserving humanity and cultural heritage and guiding the world on the path of humanity. Russia has always stood by India for seven decades, continuously upholding the tradition of friendship with selfless devotion, like a brother." Prof Sharma said that the Russian delegates gained knowledge about the Indian knowledge tradition and Sanatan Dharma. A communique issued by the SSU added Prof Batyr Elistaev of Kalmyk University, Kalmykia, Elista, who was leading the delegation said that visiting this ancient institution in the ancient city of Kashi fulfilled their desire to understand Sanatan Dharma culture in the light of the Indian knowledge tradition. "If one wants to understand India, one must understand the philosophy of this centre of divine knowledge established in Kashi; that is, one must understand its essence. The wealth of knowledge inherent in the divine language of Sanskrit. Sanskrit contains the complete essence of Indian culture, values, and Indian identity. Coming here will further strengthen the decades-old relationship between Russia and India," he said. The delegation included Vasily Kishtanov, professors Georgy, Tatiana, Svetlana, Larisa, Natalia, and about a dozen other people....