STATE TIMES NEWS
SRINAGAR: The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday handed over the exhibitions belonging to International Buddhist Confederation and the National Museum to the Kalmyk Museum at Elista, Republic of Kalmykia, Russia.
The Lieutenant Governor said it will ensure that the Lord Buddha’s importance and relevance, and also visit of holy relics to Kalmykia is remembered by the people of this 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 this museum is a small Kalmykia in itself under one roof,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Later, the Lieutenant Governor 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 Lieutenant Governor donated several books to the library which he had collected on Buddhism.
Earlier, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha paid obeisance to sacred relics of Lord Buddha brought from India and enshrined at the Central Temple, Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery, also known as “the Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni” at Elista, Kalmykia, Russia.
The Lieutenant Governor is leading the delegation to bring back holy relics of Lord Buddha after a week-long exposition in Elista. During the interaction with revered monks, the Lieutenant Governor said the fondness which the people of this city and those from far corners of Russia have shown towards the Lord Buddha’s relics is a rare gesture which has left an indelible mark in our hearts.
“As you know, the holy relics of the Buddha are considered as the Buddha himself and his coming here, amounts to his blessing the people of Kalmykia and the whole of Russia. India takes pride in the principles and teachings of the Buddha. His message of compassion, wisdom and non-violence remain more relevant than ever. Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always reiterated the relevance of Buddha’s teachings in the modern world and continues to emphasise this aspect at different international forums reminding the world of Buddha’s timeless wisdom,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor also observed that the message of the Buddha along with his teachings should get more embedded in societies especially among the youth.