In a remarkable event highlighting the ever-strengthening bond between India and Russia, a high-level Indian delegation visited Kalmyk State University (KalmSU), one of Russia’s leading educational institutions. The delegation was led by Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, accompanied by Mr. Vinay Kumar, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of India to Russia, and His Holiness the 43rd Sakya Trizin Rinpoche, Head of the Sakya Order. They were joined by Buddhist scholars and spiritual leaders from India.
The visit was part of a momentous cultural and spiritual occasion – the arrival of the sacred relics of Lord Buddha Shakyamuni in Kalmykia. These relics, representing the spiritual essence and teachings of Buddha, are currently enshrined in the central khurul (temple) of the Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni. The ceremonial welcome of the relics drew large participation, including students and cadets from Kalmyk State University, who witnessed a moment that beautifully united faith, culture, and education.
Fostering Academic and Cultural Exchange
In the process of meeting university officials, Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya showed great admiration for the contribution of Kalmyk State University to education, research, and intercultural understanding. He noted that his visit to Kalmykia would not have been complete without visiting the university – a hub for academic collaboration and intellectual growth.
“I have attended many meetings during this visit,” he said, “but my journey would be incomplete without visiting Kalmyk State University.”
He pointed out that the arrival of the sacred relics and his visit to KalmSU both represent a special unity between the spiritual brotherhood of India and Russia’s academic excellence.
The visit is a symbol of the unity of our traditions – the merging of learning and enlightenment, Shri Maurya said. Education is a bridge between countries, and the Kalmyk University plays an important role in shaping that bridge through knowledge and understanding.
The Sacred Gift of “Ganjur” – A Legacy of Wisdom
A highlight of the visit was the presentation of the “Ganjur” (Kangyur) – a revered Buddhist encyclopedia containing the teachings of Lord Buddha – to Kalmyk State University. This sacred collection encompasses diverse fields such as philosophy, theology, medicine, linguistics, and logic, and is considered one of the most significant Buddhist scriptures.
“Buddha’s teachings are timeless,” Shri Maurya said. “Reading the Ganjur allows one to reflect deeply and understand life’s values. It brings peace, wisdom, and discipline, helping individuals become better citizens and compassionate human beings.”
The presentation of the Ganjur symbolized India’s commitment to strengthening cultural diplomacy through knowledge-sharing and the promotion of spiritual values that transcend borders.
Strengthening India-Russia Educational Partnership
Shri Maurya also pointed out the increasing academic and cultural relationship between India and Russia, where Russian universities have been highly rated in science, medicine, and the humanities. He applauded the role played by the Russian institutions of higher learning, such as Kalmyk State University, in facilitating international collaboration and becoming centers of research and innovation.
“Russian universities are globally respected for their educational excellence,” he said. “They not only nurture knowledge but also uphold the shared human values that connect our two nations.”
Ambassador Vinay Kumar and His Holiness the 43rd Sakya Trizin Rinpoche also addressed the gathering, commending Kalmyk State University’s efforts in promoting cross-cultural dialogue and its openness to academic collaboration with Indian institutions.
A Shared Vision for Learning and Peace
The Indian delegation visit is also another milestone in the long-term relationship between India and Russia, in which education remains one of the key elements in reinforcing the relations. This combination of academic interaction and the cultural exchange of ideas in this event is an element of a similar belief that knowledge and spirituality are inseparable in the development of a harmonious world.
It is a symbol of wisdom, compassion, and enlightenment, and the sacred Ganjur given to Kalmyk State University is an example of the values by which both countries seek to attain peace and progress.
As thousands of Indian students continue to pursue higher education in Russia, such interactions between Indian leaders and Russian academic institutions further reinforce the mutual commitment to fostering educational excellence, intercultural understanding, and friendship.
Moreover, the visit of Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya and the delegation serves as a reminder that education, when combined with cultural and spiritual exchange, becomes a bridge connecting nations, inspiring minds, and uniting hearts across the world.
