Srinagar, Oct 17: Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, has arrived in Elista, the capital of Kalmykia, Russia, to pay homage to the sacred relics of Lord Buddha during his ongoing official visit. The visit follows a week-long exposition of the relics in Russia and marks a significant moment of cultural and spiritual diplomacy between the two nations.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Office of the Lieutenant Governor stated, “Landed in Elista, Kalmykia, Russia. Looking forward to paying my obeisance to the holy relics of Lord Buddha and interaction with Mr. Batu Sergeyevich Khasikov, Head of the Republic of Kalmykia, Head of the Buddhists of Kalmykia, Shajin Lama of Kalmykia, venerable monks and local devotees.”
The Lieutenant Governor’s visit is aimed at honouring and escorting back the revered relics of Lord Buddha to India after their special exposition in Russia, organized to promote interfaith harmony, spiritual dialogue, and mutual appreciation of Buddhist traditions that bind the two nations historically. The relics, which were on display at Buddhist temples and cultural centres in Russia, have drawn thousands of devotees and scholars, reflecting the enduring global reverence for Buddha’s teachings.
Officials accompanying the LG said the visit underscores India’s commitment to strengthening cultural diplomacy through spiritual heritage. “This engagement symbolizes the timeless bond between India and Russia, rooted in shared values of peace, compassion, and cultural respect,” an official noted.
During his stay, LG Sinha is scheduled to meet with religious and administrative leaders, including Batu Sergeyevich Khasikov, the Head of the Republic of Kalmykia, and the Shajin Lama, Head of the Buddhists of Kalmykia. He will also interact with monks, devotees, and members of the local Buddhist community, reflecting Jammu and Kashmir’s historic association with Buddhism and India’s deep cultural linkages with Buddhist civilizations worldwide.