The 80th anniversary of Victory Day at Red Square in Moscow was more than just a military spectacle. It was a statement—an assertion that despite Western narratives of isolation and economic decline, Russia commands global respect. The presence of over 30 heads of state, including leaders from China, Egypt, Vietnam, Brazil, and various Latin American, African, and European nations, underscored the reality of a shifting world order. The era of unipolar dominance is waning, and Russia stands poised as a pillar of the emerging multipolar global structure.
Victory Day is not merely a display of strength but an occasion of gratitude—a moment to honor those who laid down their lives fighting fascism. Yet, in today’s geopolitical climate, the West appears intent on erasing the Soviet Union’s invaluable role in that fight. Historical revisionism has been a powerful colonial tool, distorting past struggles to suit current interests. Colonialism was never about reforming societies; it was about exploitation—plundering resources, dismantling languages and cultures, and instilling self-doubt in those subjugated.
Neocolonialism, in the guise of unchecked corporatization, continues this legacy. Welfare states are retreating, and terms like socialism and secularism are now vilified. Media outlets, stripped of integrity, serve corporate elites rather than public interests. In India, this manifests in the Brahmin-Bania duopoly shaping institutions and nationalistic narratives.
The dominant Western account of World War II fixates on Hitler and the Holocaust—an undeniable atrocity, but one that overshadows the immense sacrifices made by Soviet forces. Nearly 27 million Russians and countless others across Soviet republics, including Ukraine, perished fighting Nazism. Meanwhile, 89,000 Indian soldiers also sacrificed their lives for humanity. Yet, these contributions receive scant recognition. Even today, European powers attempt to sideline Victory Day celebrations, pressuring leaders to abstain from Moscow’s parade. Despite such efforts, global dignitaries attended, defying Western coercion.
Russia’s growing alliances with nations still suffering the remnants of colonialism—such as Burkina Faso, Mali, Cuba, Venezuela, and Brazil—signal a revived Non-Aligned Movement ethos. Moscow offers these nations a voice, a counterbalance to Western influence. While President Vladimir Putin’s emphasis on Christian family values aligns with conservative trends in the U.S. and elsewhere, Russia distinguishes itself through deep reverence for its history and its people’s sacrifices. The sight of the Red Flag proudly displayed reminds us that socialist ideals remain alive in many parts of the world.
Across the globe, disillusionment with corporate-dominated democracies is mounting. People seek alternatives, though not necessarily authoritarian regimes. Ultimately, each country must determine its own political model. The need is for democracies unshackled from the grip of corporate and theocratic interests. Secularism and socialism must not be dismissed as relics; they remain critical for equitable governance.
For India, Russia is more than a strategic partner—it is an enduring sentiment. While some may argue that Indian leadership appears hesitant toward BRICS, the bloc's relevance is only growing. The future will see deeper engagement, with India playing a crucial role alongside Russia, China, Brazil, and others.
History offers lessons, if only we heed them. Attempts to erase colonial-era truths or undermine sacrifices made in anti-fascist struggles will ultimately fail. Former colonies are awakening, reclaiming their narratives, and redefining their place in the world.
Victory Day is not merely a celebration of Russian resilience—it is a reminder that history must be told honestly, lest it be manipulated to serve contemporary power structures.
Victory Day greetings to all!
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*Human rights defender
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