Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha Leads Delegation to Bring Back Holy Relics of Lord Buddha from Russia
New Delhi, October 17 (TheTrendingPeople.com): In a moment of deep spiritual and cultural significance, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha arrived in Elista, the capital of Russia’s Kalmykia Republic, on Friday to bring back the holy relics of Lord Buddha to India after their week-long exposition.
Sinha is leading the Indian delegation tasked with returning the revered relics, which have been enshrined at the Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery, popularly known as the Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha, since October 11. The relics will be accompanied back to India on October 19, marking the culmination of an extraordinary cross-cultural and spiritual exchange between India and Russia.
Warm Reception and Dignitary Meetings in Kalmykia
Upon his arrival, Lt. Governor Sinha was received by 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.
Earlier in the day, Sinha had announced his departure for Kalmykia, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to lead such a spiritually significant mission. In an official post on X, his office shared:
“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 Namo Buddhaya.”
The event is being jointly organised by the Ministry of Culture, International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), National Museum, and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), reflecting India’s deep-rooted commitment to preserving and sharing its Buddhist heritage with the world.
A Symbol of India–Russia Cultural and Spiritual Ties
The exposition in Kalmykia has drawn widespread attention as a symbol of the growing India–Russia cultural partnership. The Holy Relics of Lord Buddha were received with great reverence by monks, devotees, and government officials in Russia.
A special press conference held last week at the Golden Abode of the Buddha Shakyamuni was attended by several eminent personalities, including Batu Khasikov, Head of the Republic of Kalmykia; Keshav Prasad Maurya, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh; Vinay Kumar Abhijit Halder, Indian Ambassador to Russia; His Holiness the 43rd Sakya Trizin Rinpoche, Head of the Sakya Order; and His Eminence Shajin Lama, spiritual leader of the Kalmyk people.
They spoke about the historical and spiritual relevance of the relics’ visit and their role in promoting peace, compassion, and interfaith understanding.
Promoting Peace and Global Harmony through Buddha’s Message
The Embassy of India in Moscow, in its official statement on X, underscored the global significance of the exposition, stating:
“The visit will provide a great opportunity for the people of Kalmykia and neighbouring regions for a profound spiritual pilgrimage. This will help in spreading Lord Buddha’s message of peace to the world and further deepen India-Russia cooperation, academic exchanges, including in Buddhist Studies and people-to-people ties.”
The exposition served as a bridge connecting the Buddhist communities of India and Russia, highlighting shared cultural roots that trace back to the ancient Silk Route. It also reaffirmed India’s role as the spiritual home of Buddhism, continuing to spread the message of non-violence, compassion, and harmony.
Historical Significance of the Holy Relics
The Holy Relics of Lord Buddha, preserved in India’s National Museum, are among the most revered artifacts in Buddhist history. These relics have travelled across several nations, including Thailand, Mongolia, and Japan, fostering a spirit of universal brotherhood and peace wherever they go.
The journey to Kalmykia, known for being Europe’s only Buddhist-majority region, is particularly meaningful. The Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha, where the relics were enshrined, is one of Russia’s most sacred Buddhist temples, symbolizing the unity of Eastern philosophy and Russian spirituality.
Deepening India–Russia Relations through Cultural Diplomacy
This visit not only celebrates shared spirituality but also highlights the growing depth of India–Russia relations beyond defense and trade. Cultural and religious diplomacy has become a vital component of this partnership, strengthening people-to-people connections and mutual understanding.
Observers note that India’s soft power, rooted in its ancient civilizational heritage, continues to serve as a powerful diplomatic tool that bridges nations through shared values of peace and coexistence.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha’s visit to Kalmykia stands as a powerful testament to India’s enduring spiritual legacy and its global resonance. The return of Lord Buddha’s relics is not merely a ceremonial act—it is a reaffirmation of India’s timeless message of peace, unity, and compassion. Through such cultural and religious engagements, India continues to strengthen its moral and spiritual ties with the world, reinforcing that the path of the Buddha remains as relevant today as it was 2,500 years ago.