Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha arrived in Russia on Friday to escort the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha back to India after a week-long exposition in Elista, the capital of the Republic of Kalmykia. The visit, marked by deep spiritual and cultural significance, underscores the strengthening of ties between India and Russia through shared heritage and the unifying teachings of Lord Buddha.
Speaking to media after paying homage at the Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery, popularly known as the “Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha,” Sinha described the exposition as a landmark event. He highlighted its role as a historic homecoming of faith for the Kalmyk people, the only Buddhist-majority nation in Europe. “This exposition is a powerful bridge of spiritual friendship between India and Russia, showcasing India’s efforts to foster cultural ties,” he said.
Sinha, leading the Indian delegation, was warmly received by Tserenov Erdni Nikolayevich, First Deputy Chairman of the Government of Kalmykia, Deputy Chairman Dzhambinov Ochir Vladimirovich, and India’s Deputy Chief of Mission Nikhilesh Giri. The delegation will accompany the sacred relics back to India on October 19, 2025.
During his visit, Sinha offered a traditional Kashmiri shawl to Shajin Lama, presented a “Khatak” to the Holy Relics, and lit a lamp at the monastery. He also offered prayers before the revered Bakula Rinpoche, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to participate in this sacred mission. In a post on X, the Lieutenant Governor’s office expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for entrusting Sinha with this responsibility, stating, “Leaving for Kalmykia, Russia, where I will lead the delegation to bring back holy relics of Lord Buddha. ‘Om Mamo Buddhaya’.”
The exposition of the sacred relics, recognized as a National Treasure of India, has drawn an overwhelming response in Kalmykia, with over 90,000 devotees paying their respects at the monastery. The relics were initially brought to Elista by a high-level Indian delegation led by Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, accompanied by senior Indian monks. The delegation has been conducting special religious services and blessings for Kalmykia’s predominantly Buddhist population.
This historic event, the first of its kind in the Russian Republic, revives the legacy of the 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, a revered Buddhist monk and diplomat from Ladakh who played a pivotal role in reviving Buddhism in Mongolia and Russian regions like Kalmykia, Buryatia, and Tuva. The exposition, organized by the BTI section of India’s Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation, the National Museum, and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, will continue in Elista until October 18.