NewKerala.com

J-K LG Returns with Buddha Relics: How Russia Visit Strengthens India Ties

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has successfully returned to India with the holy relics of Lord Buddha. The relics were displayed in Kalmykia, Russia, marking the first such exposition in the Russian Republic. This cultural exchange strengthens the 80-year friendship between India and Russia across multiple domains. The event also honors the legacy of Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, who revived Buddhism in Russian regions.

Key Points: Manoj Sinha Returns with Lord Buddha Holy Relics from Russia

  • Holy relics recognized as National Treasure of India returned from Russia
  • Exposition strengthens India-Russia ties in business, trade and defense
  • Sacred relics displayed in Europe's only Buddhist-majority region Kalmykia
  • Event revives legacy of Kushok Bakula Rinpoche from Ladakh
2 min read

J-K LG Manoj Sinha returns to India with holy relics of Lord Buddha

Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha brings back sacred Buddha relics from Kalmykia, Russia, marking a milestone in India-Russia cultural and diplomatic relations.

"This effort by the Indian government, Ministry of Culture, will prove to be a milestone - Manoj Sinha"

New Delhi, October 20

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha returned to India with the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha following their exposition in Kalmykia, Russia.

Manoj Sinha said that exposition of the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha to Kalmykia will strengthen the ties between India & Russia.

"We have come back with the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha from Kalmykia... India-Russia friendship has been great for a long time and is completing 80 years in the coming times... During the visit of Russian President Putin, this effort by the Indian government, Ministry of Culture, will prove to be a milestone... This will also strengthen our relations with Russia in terms of business, trade and defence," he said.

Manoj Sinha was on a visit to Russia to bring back the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha to India following their exposition in Elista, the Capital city of the Republic of Kalmykia. Sinha was received by the First Deputy Chairman of the Government of Kalmykia, Tserenov Erdni Nikolayevich, Deputy Chairman Dzhambinov Ochir Vladimirovich, and India's Deputy Chief of Mission Nikhilesh Giri.

The sacred relics, recognised as a National Treasure of India, were brought to the capital city of Elista by a high-level delegation, led by Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, and including senior Indian monks. The delegation is conducting special religious services and blessings for the predominantly Buddhist population of Kalmykia, the only region in Europe where Buddhism is the predominant religion.

This historic exposition, the first of its kind in the Russian Republic, is a testament to the deep civilizational bonds between India and Russia. It revives the enduring legacy of the 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, the revered Buddhist monk and diplomat from Ladakh, who was instrumental in reviving Buddhism in Mongolia and reigniting interest in the Buddha Dharma in Russian regions like Kalmykia, Buryatia, and Tuva.

The event has been organised by the BTI section of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), the National Museum, and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA). The exposition will continue in the capital city of Elista until October 18, 2025.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great diplomatic move by India. While preserving our cultural heritage, we're also strengthening strategic ties with Russia. Smart thinking by the government - culture, trade, and defense all in one package.
A
Anjali F
As a Buddhist from Ladakh, this news makes me so emotional. Kushok Bakula Rinpoche's legacy lives on! Our sacred relics connecting India with Buddhist communities in Russia - this is true cultural diplomacy. 🕉️
M
Michael C
While I appreciate the cultural exchange, I hope the government is equally focused on preserving these national treasures within India. We need better infrastructure and security for our heritage sites across the country.
K
Karthik V
India-Russia friendship completing 80 years! That's remarkable. Using our spiritual heritage to build bridges shows India's soft power potential. More such initiatives needed with other countries too.
S
Sarah B
Wonderful to see India's rich Buddhist heritage being shared globally. The fact that Kalmykia is the only Buddhist region in Europe makes this exchange even more special. Cultural diplomacy at its best!
V
Vikram M
Good work by LG Manoj Sinha and the cultural ministry. This is how we should project India's ancient wisdom to the world. Hope these relics are now properly preserved and displayed for public viewing in India

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50