The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, is being visiting the Republic of Kalmykia, Russia, underscoring the deep-rooted spiritual and cultural connections between India and Russia. The visit, centred around the historic exposition of the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha.

During his visit on Saturday, LG Shri Manoj Sinha held extensive discussions with the Head of the Republic of Kalmykia, Mr. Batu Sergeyevich Khasikov. The leaders reviewed issues of mutual interest, with a focus on enhancing cultural and spiritual ties. LG Shri Manoj Sinha expressed his profound gratitude to the Kalmyk leadership for facilitating the immensely successful exposition of the sacred relics.

"The holy relics' visit to this land is a powerful testament to the long-standing relations India and Russia have nurtured over the decades," LG Sinha stated. "As we approach the 80th anniversary of our diplomatic relations in 2027, India looks forward to marking this milestone with a series of bilateral events." Shri Sinha added that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is eagerly waiting for President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India in December 2025.

In a major announcement, LG Sinha revealed that an 'India Festival' is being planned for April 2026 in Kalmykia, assuring that India would spare no effort to ensure its grand success. He also asserted that both the countries will work together in the field of Pharmaceutical, Space, Research and Developing, Agriculture, Culture and Tourism.

Later in the day Shri Sinha formally handed over exhibitions from the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) and the National Museum of India, to the Kalmyk Museum in Elista. He stated this would serve as a permanent reminder of Lord Buddha's relevance and the landmark visit of the relics.

Praising the museum, he said, "History, tradition, culture, and spiritual wisdom shape our identity, I am truly delighted to see that this museum is a small Kalmykia in itself under one roof."

The Lieutenant Governor also visited the National Library named after Amur-Sanan, where he donated a collection of books on Buddhism, further enriching the cultural exchange. Shri Sinha also visited the Old Monastery of Kalmykia where he performed traditional rituals, including presenting a 'Khatak' (ceremonial scarf) and lighting a lamp.

The week-long exposition of the Sacred Relics, recognized as a National Treasure of India, witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 100,000 (One Lakh) devotees from across the region paying their respects. This historic first-of-its-kind event in the Russian Republic revitalized the enduring legacy of the 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche and showcased the deep civilizational bonds between India and Russia.

The Indian delegation, which initially brought the relics to Kalmykia, was led by Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. The exposition was organized by 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).

LG Shri Manoj Sinha and the Indian delegation are scheduled to accompany the Holy Relics back to India on October 19, 2025.

This landmark event was organized to strengthen people-to-people ties and celebrate shared Buddhist heritage. Kalmykia is the only region in Europe where Buddhism is the predominant religion. The exposition served to highlight India's commitment to cultural diplomacy and the unifying power of Lord Buddha's teachings.

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

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