In Russia’s Buddhist heartland, LG Sinha rekindles India’s ancient ties
Srinagar, Oct 18: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha met the Head of the Republic of Kalmykia, Russia, Batu Sergeyevich Khasikov, on Saturday and discussed various issues related to cultural and spiritual ties.
LG Sinha thanked the Head of the Republic of Kalmykia for facilitating the grand visit of the holy relics of Lord Buddha.
“The holy relics' visit to this land is also testimony of the long-standing relations that India and Russia have had over the decades. India and Russia will complete 80 years of diplomatic relations in 2027, and we in India are looking forward to marking this important milestone by organising a range of bilateral events and activities,” he said.
The LG said that an India festival was being planned for April 2026 in Kalmykia.
He said India would do its best to ensure that the event is a grand success.
LG Sinha also handed over the exhibitions belonging to the International Buddhist Confederation and the National Museum to the Kalmyk Museum at Elista, Republic of Kalmykia, Russia.
He said that it would ensure that the Lord Buddha’s importance and relevance, and also the visit of holy relics to Kalmykia, are remembered by the people of the beautiful land.
“History, tradition, culture, and spiritual wisdom shape identity and transmit ethical values across generations and drive sustainable development. Preservation and education of heritage is essential, and I am truly delighted to see that this museum is a small Kalmykia in itself under one roof,” LG Sinha said.
Later, he visited the National Library at Elista, Republic of Kalmykia, Russia.
The library is named after Amur-Sanan, a prominent Kalmyk writer and public figure.
During the visit, the LG donated several books to the library, which he had collected on Buddhism.
Earlier, he said that exposition of the holy relics of Lord Buddha to Kalmykia would strengthen the people-to-people ties between India and Russia.
Interacting with media persons after paying his reverent homage to the relics, enshrined at the iconic Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery, popularly known as the ‘Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha’, LG Sinha said that exposition of the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha in Kalmykia was a landmark event that represents a historic homecoming of faith for the Kalmyk people, the only Buddhist nation in Europe.
He said that it stands as a powerful bridge of spiritual friendship between India and Russia, showcasing India's efforts in cultural ties and the unifying power of the Buddha's teachings.
The LG presented “Khatak” to the holy relics and lit a lamp in the temple.
He also offered prayers and presented “Khatak” in front of Bakula Rinpoche.
LG Shina presented a Kashmiri shawl to Shajin Lama and received blessings.
On Friday, he arrived in 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.
The LG, who is leading the Indian delegation, 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 delegation would accompany the Holy Relics back to India on October 19.
Earlier in the day, LG Sinha announced his departure for Kalmykia, saying he would lead the delegation entrusted with bringing back the holy relics of Lord Buddha.
In a post on X, the LG’s office said, “Leaving for Kalmykia, Russia, where I will lead the delegation to bring back holy relics of Lord Buddha after a week-long exposition. I sincerely thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this sacred opportunity. ‘Om Mamo Buddhaya’.”
In a powerful display of spiritual devotion and shared cultural heritage, the exposition of Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha from India has drawn an unprecedented response in the Republic of Kalmykia, Russia.
Over 90,000 devotees have paid their reverent homage to the relics, enshrined at the iconic Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery.
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 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 civilisational 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.
