Mr. J.S.Uberoi, Chairman Media Transasia, wins Pushkin Medal

Company Brief

New Delhi, June 30, 2008

In a ceremony held in Bangkok by the Embassy of the Russian Federation, The Pushkin Medal was awarded to Mr. J.S.Uberoi, Chairman Media Transasia India Ltd. He was awarded the medal for his role in promoting Russian culture and strengthening relations between the Russian Federation and Kingdom of Thailand.

At the ceremony Ambassador H.E. Yevgeny V. Afanasiev said, it is an extraordinary situation. An Indian national, living in Thailand is decorated by the Russian Government for strengthening relations between Thailand and Russia. The award was presented on behalf of President Vladimir Putin; the decree was signed on March 22, 2008.

Mr Uberoi, the latest recipient of the Pushkin Medal (Decoration No. 526), was behind the staging, in 2003, of the ballet Katya and the Prince of Siam. Mr Uberoi had commissioned a Russian composer to write the music for the ballet. The ballet, presented by the Kremlin Ballet Theatre with the Presidential Orchestra of Russia saw its world premiere in Bangkok to critical acclaim.

The Pushkin Medal was established in 1881 by Russian Academy of Sciences to honour one of the greatest Russian poets Alexander Pushkin (1799-1837). It was awarded to Russians who achieved the highest standard of literary excellence. The award was discontinued during the Soviet period but was restored in 1991. Today this award by the Russian government, recognizes extraordinary contributions to Russia in the sphere of Russian culture and education.

Among its recipients before 1917 are Nobel laureate Ivan Bunin and Anotn Chekov. In recent times among the recipients of the award are Russian poet Alexander Kushner, Czech President Vaclav Klaus, President of Guyana Bharrat Jagdeo, former President of China Jian Zemin, former Chinese Premier Li Peng and President of Mongolia Nambaryn Enkhbayar. In fact, Mr Uberoi's recognition comes right after the Medal was presented to the President of Mongolia.

For further information, please contact:

Neeti Dhawan

IPAN

Mob: 9312267577

e-mail: neeti.dhawan@ipan.com