Spiritual Bridge: Exposition of Buddha Relics in Kalmykia Strengthens India-Russia Ties, Says LG Sinha
ELISTA, Russia: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (LG) Shri Manoj Sinha arrived in Elista, the capital of Russia’s Republic of Kalmykia, to lead the Indian delegation bringing back the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha after a week-long public exposition.
The LG, who is scheduled to accompany the sacred relics back to India on October 19, stated that the spiritual event serves as a powerful foundation for enhanced bilateral relations between the two nations.
“The exposition of Holy Relics of Lord Buddha to Kalmykia will strengthen the people-to-people ties between India & Russia,” Shri Sinha said while interacting with media persons after paying reverent homage to the relics enshrined at the Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery, popularly known as the “Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha.”
He described the exposition as a “landmark event” that represents a “historic homecoming of faith for the Kalmyk people, the only Buddhist nation in Europe.”
The relics, recognized as a National Treasure of India, have drawn an overwhelming spiritual response, with over Ninety Thousand devotees paying their homage at the monastery since the exposition began. The event has been a collaborative effort by India’s Ministry of Culture and various Buddhist organizations, celebrating the deep civilizational bonds between India and Russia.
Shri Sinha, who was received by First Deputy Chairman of the Government of Kalmykia, Tserenov Erdni Nikolayevich, and other dignitaries, performed traditional Buddhist rituals, including presenting a “Khatak” to the Holy Relics and lighting a lamp. He also offered a Kashmiri shawl to the Shajin Lama, the head of the Buddhists of Kalmykia, and received blessings.
Earlier, Shri Sinha had thanked Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for entrusting him with what he called this “sacred opportunity” to lead the delegation. The exposition in Kalmykia is seen as reviving the enduring legacy of the 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, the revered monk-diplomat from Ladakh, who was instrumental in rekindling interest in Buddhism across Russian regions.
