Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya will lead a delegation carrying the sacred relics of Lord Buddha to an exhibition to be organized by the Ministry of Culture, government of India, in Kalmykia, Russia, from September 24 to October 1.
File Photo: IANS
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya will lead a delegation carrying the sacred relics of Lord Buddha to an exhibition to be organized by the Ministry of Culture, government of India, in Kalmykia, Russia, from September 24 to October 1.
The deputy chief minister will depart with the delegation on September 23 by an Indian Air Force plane for Russia, where the sacred Piprahwa (Kapilvastu) relics of Lord Buddha will be displayed. He said here on Sunday that the journey of the Kapilvastu relics will be an effective medium for India’s soft power and cultural diplomacy.
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Maurya noted that exhibitions of Lord Buddha’s relics have previously been held in Thailand and Vietnam. The success in Thailand and Vietnam has enhanced India’s reputation globally. He added that the exhibition in Russia would carry forward this glorious tradition and further enhance India’s cultural image.
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Discussing the significance of the display of the sacred relics, he said it would strengthen bilateral relations and deepen cultural and political ties. It also aims to restore civilizational heritage and establish India as the birthplace and custodian of Buddhism.
Furthermore, it aims to strengthen an environment of global peace and harmony and spread Lord Buddha’s message of compassion, peace, and non-violence worldwide.
He explained that the Kapilavastu relics of Lord Buddha were recovered from Piprahwa (Uttar Pradesh), which is associated with the ancient city of Kapilvastu. These relics are archaeologically proven.
The deputy chief minister informed that from September 25 to 28, the National Museum in Elista, Kalmykia, will exhibit reproductions of works in original artistic styles depicting key events in the life of Lord Buddha. A short documentary on the Piprahwa relics will also be screened.
It is noteworthy that Kalmykia is a region in Russia with a large Buddhist population. Here, Buddhism is not only a religion but also a part of culture and tradition.
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