As part of the festival « Let's Go!» the Russian House in Trivandrum organised a unique programme - get-together of people in the southern state of Kerala with name GAGARIN. The function was organised on the eve of the 60th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's Space Flight.

Sixteen people from different parts of the state gathered and briefed how they had been given this name. They showed their passports or other Identity cards to prove they possess the legendary Russian Cosmonaut's name, who had become the first human to fly to the Earth’s orbit.

The centre of attraction was Mr Yuri Gagarin, from Kannur District. He was born in 1962, one year after the first man's space expedition. "Yuri Gagarin was my father’s hero. When I was born, he did not think twice to give me the cosmonaut's name. I feel proud to be called Yuri Gagarin. Today Russian House provided me with an opportunity to meet people from other parts of my state who bear the same names. This is the right time to remember the achievement of a great hero," said Kerala's Yuri.

There were also three people from one family. V.V. Gagarin and his children. While the father's first name is Gagarin his son and daughter use it as the surname. "My elder brother was born in 1961. My father named him Gagarin. Unfortunately, he died at the age of two. When I was born, my father, the true fan of the Russian cosmonaut, called me by that name.  When my children were born, I added my name GAGARIN as a surname to their first name GAGAN (means space) and Geethu,” he said. Gagan Gagarin and Geethu Gagarin were also present at the meeting.

The vigilance officer of BWFS at the Kochi airport, Gagarin Thandasseril, said that he had got the job, thanks to his name."The interviewer asked me why I have this unique name. When I answered, he asked me about Yuri Gagarin. Luckily that officer was also a great fan of the first cosmonaut and I got the job!" said Gagarin from Kochi.

Mr P D Gagarin hails from Cherthala, Alleppy. He was born on 12 April 1961. "I have two reasons two celebrate the 12 April, my birthday and the anniversary of the first man in space," said P D Gagarin, who is a politician.

In his speech, the Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation and Director of the Russian House in Trivandrum Ratheesh C. Nair emphasized that this meeting clearly demonstrates the special connection between Kerala and Russia. “Exactly 60 years ago, Yuri Gagarin managed to accomplish a unique feat. He fearlessly stepped into the unknown and paved the way for all mankind to reach the stars. His name will forever remain in the memory of not only the residents of Russia and India, but the whole world,” he added.    

Russian compatriots in the state enjoyed interacting with people who carry the name of their hero who had made their country proud. Both the Russian nationals and GAGARINS placed flowers at the monument to Yuri Gagarin.

Famous singer Kavalam Sreekumar recited a poem on Yuri Gagarin written by Dr K.Ayyappa Panicker in 1961.