Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha met Batu Sergeyevich Khasikov, Head of the Republic of Kalmykia, Russia today and discussed various issues related to cultural, spiritual ties, an official press release informed here.
It said the LG thanked His Excellency for facilitating the grand visit of holy relics of Lord Buddha.
“The holy relics visit to this land is also testimony of the long-standing relations that India and Russia have had over the decades. India and Russia will complete 80 years of diplomatic relations in 2027 and we in India are looking forward to marking this important milestone by organizing a range of bilateral events and activities,” the LG said.
The LG also observed that an India Festival is being planned for April 2026 in Kalmykia. He said India will do its best to ensure that the event is a grand success.
The LG, as per the press release, said that exposition of holy relics of Lord Buddha to Kalmykia will strengthen the people to people ties between India & Russia.
According to an official press release, interacting with media-persons after paying homage to the relics enshrined at the iconic Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery, popularly known as the “Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha’, Sinha said that exposition of the holy relics of Lord Buddha in Kalmykia is a landmark event that represents a historic homecoming of faith for the Kalmyk people, the only Buddhist nation in Europe. It stands as a powerful bridge of spiritual friendship between India and Russia, showcasing India’s efforts in cultural ties and the unifying power of the Buddha’s teachings.
LG of J&K also presented a “Khatak” to the holy relics and lit a lamp in the temple. He also offered prayers and presented “Khatak” in front of Bakula Rinpoche. Shina also presented a Kashmiri shawl to Shajin Lama and received blessings, the press release informed.
LG Sinha on Friday arrived in Russia to bring back the holy relics of Lord Buddha to India following their exposition in Elista, the capital city of the Republic of Kalmykia.
Shina, who is leading the Indian delegation, was received by the First Deputy Chairman of the Government of Kalmykia, Tserenov Erdni Nikolayevich, Deputy Chairman Dzhambinov Ochir Vladimirovichand India’s Deputy Chief of Mission Nikhilesh Giri. The delegation will accompany the holy relics back to India on October 19th, 2025.
Earlier in the day, Sinha announced his departure for Kalmykia, saying he would lead the delegation entrusted with bringing back the holy relics of Lord Buddha. In a post on X, the LG’s office said, “Leaving for Kalmykia, Russia, where I will lead the delegation to bring back holy relics of Lord Buddha after a week-long exposition. I sincerely thank Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for this sacred opportunity. ‘Om Mamo Buddhaya’.
LG Sinha hands over Buddhist exhibitions to Kalmyk Museum in Russia
The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today handed over the exhibitions belonging to International Buddhist Confederation and the National Museum to the Kalmyk Museum at Elista, Republic of Kalmykia, Russia.
The Lieutenant Governor said it will ensure that the Lord Buddha’s importance and relevance, and also the visit of holy relics to Kalmykia, are remembered by the people of this beautiful land.
“History, tradition, culture and spiritual wisdom shape identity and transmit ethical values across generations and drive sustainable development. Preservation and education of heritage is essential, and I am truly delighted to see that this museum is a small Kalmykia in itself under one roof,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Later, the Lieutenant Governor visited the National Library at Elista, Republic of Kalmykia, Russia. The library is named after Amur-Sanan, a prominent Kalmyk writer and public figure. During the visit, the Lieutenant Governor donated several books to the library, which he had collected on Buddhism.
