Diplomat Correspondent
New Delhi,DD: Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, departed from Elista in the Republic of Kalmykia, Russia, Sunday with the sacred relics of Lord Buddha following the conclusion of a week-long exposition.
The holy relics declared a National Treasure of India were on display in Kalmykia from October 11 to 18, 2025, as part of an international exposition organised by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), National Museum, and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA). The initiative aimed to celebrate shared Buddhist heritage and strengthen cultural ties between India and Russia.
During a ceremony at the Central Temple, popularly known as The Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni, the Lieutenant Governor addressed monks and devotees, observing that though the relics would return to India, “Lord Buddha’s enduring presence in Kalmykia will continue to guide the seekers toward their own awakening.”
He described the exposition as a spiritually enriching experience that deepened people-to-people bonds. “The event has been historic and filled with blessings. It has strengthened the spiritual connect and inspired mindfulness that will serve as a source of peace and ideals for generations to come,” Sinha said.
Emphasizing the universal relevance of Buddha’s teachings, the LG called for building a just and compassionate world. “We must build a world full of kindness, rooted in wisdom and free from suffering. Buddha’s message provides humanity with a roadmap toward peace, harmony, and moral integrity,” he said.
Highlighting India’s commitment to promoting global peace through cultural exchange, the Lieutenant Governor underlined that the India–Russia spiritual partnership remains a top priority. “It is based on our shared belief in the enduring values of peace, spirituality, and compassionate living,” he noted.
Concluding his address, the LG urged seekers to follow the path of truth and self-realization as taught by Lord Buddha. “Spiritual experience cannot be borrowed; it has to be lived. Be a light unto yourself look within, for the light and pure awareness lie within you,” he said. (KNC)