Asif Iqbal Naik
Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha, has embarked on a significant diplomatic and spiritual mission to Kalmykia, Russia. He is leading an Indian delegation to transport the sacred relics of Lord Buddha back to India following a week-long exposition in Elista, Kalmykia’s capital. The exhibition, held from October 11 to 18, 2025, marked the first-ever display of these relics in Russia and was organized by the Indian Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), National Museum, and Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA)
Prior to the exhibition, the relics were ceremoniously worshipped in Delhi. Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Keshav Prasad Maurya, who led the initial delegation to Kalmykia, expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity, calling it a historic and blessed moment, and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the honor. He emphasized the spiritual and archaeological value of the relics, noting India’s renewed connections with Buddhist nations under Modi’s leadership
The exhibition in Kalmykia was a significant cultural event, promoting peace, cultural exchange, and spiritual harmony. It received a warm welcome from Kalmykian authorities, Indian Ambassador Vinay Kumar, spiritual leader Shajin Lama, senior monks, and other dignitaries. The event highlighted the enduring India-Russia relationship and aimed to strengthen civilizational bonds while spreading Lord Buddha’s message of peace, compassion, and non-violence globally
Lieutenant Governor Sinha’s leadership in bringing the relics back to India underscores the importance of preserving and promoting India’s rich Buddhist heritage on the global stage. The return of these sacred relics is a testament to India’s commitment to fostering international cultural and spiritual connections.
Historic Return of Lord Buddha’s Sacred Relics to India: A Milestone in Cultural Diplomacy—
In a momentous event underscoring India’s rich Buddhist heritage and its enduring cultural ties with Russia, the sacred relics of Lord Buddha have been returned to India after a significant exhibition in Kalmykia, Russia. The exhibition, held from October 11 to 18, 2025, in Elista, Kalmykia’s capital, marked the first-ever display of these relics in Russia. The Indian delegation, led by Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha, was tasked with bringing the relics back following the week-long exposition.
The Relics and Their Significance
The relics, known as the Piprahwa relics, were discovered in 1898 at Piprahwa in Uttar Pradesh, India. They are believed to be the remains of Lord Buddha, making them among the most revered Buddhist artifacts. After being housed in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London for over a century, these relics were repatriated to India in 2025, thanks to the concerted efforts of the Indian government and cultural organizations. Their return was hailed as a significant cultural achievement, restoring a vital link to India’s Buddhist past.
Exhibition in Kalmykia: A Symbol of Global Buddhist Unity
The exhibition in Kalmykia was a collaborative effort between the Indian Ministry of Culture and the International Buddhist Confederation. It aimed to promote peace, cultural exchange, and spiritual harmony between India and Russia. The event featured the enshrinement of the relics at Geden Sheddup Choikorling, Kalmykia’s principal Buddhist monastery, and included displays of Buddhist art and cultural artifacts. The exhibition received a warm welcome from Kalmykian authorities, Indian Ambassador Vinay Kumar, spiritual leader Shajin Lama, senior monks, and other dignitaries.
Diplomatic and Cultural Implications
The exhibition and the subsequent return of the relics have strengthened the cultural and spiritual ties between India and Russia. It highlighted the enduring India-Russia relationship and underscored India’s commitment to fostering international cultural and spiritual connections. The event also served as a platform to promote Lord Buddha’s message of peace, compassion, and non-violence globally.
Future Prospects
The successful exhibition and return of the Buddha relics have set a precedent for future cultural exchanges between India and other nations. Plans are underway to showcase these relics in other countries with significant Buddhist populations, further promoting India’s Buddhist heritage and fostering international goodwill.
Conclusion
The return of Lord Buddha’s sacred relics to India is not just a cultural milestone but also a testament to the power of diplomacy and cultural exchange in bridging nations and fostering mutual respect and understanding. It serves as a reminder of the shared spiritual heritage that transcends borders and the enduring relevance of Lord Buddha’s teachings in promoting peace and harmony in the world.
