Elista, Kalmykia Republic, Russia: Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, leading a high-level delegation, visited the under-construction Buddha Park in Elista, Kalmykia Republic, where he paid floral tributes to the statue of Green Tara Devi, seeking blessings for prosperity and well-being for all. He also reviewed the progress of the temple and park construction and received detailed updates on associated projects.
The delegation arrived in Elista to escort the sacred Buddha relics from India, which were received with a grand ceremonial welcome. At the Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha, Deputy CM Maurya inaugurated the exhibition of the Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha, addressed the attendees, and held a press conference highlighting the universal message of peace, compassion, and humanity that Buddha’s teachings convey.
“This exhibition will strengthen the cultural and political ties between India and Russia while showcasing the shared Buddhist heritage,” said Deputy CM Maurya. The eight-day exhibition, running from 11–18 October 2025, is organized with the support of the Ministry of Culture, International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), National Museum of India, and Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA). The relics have been installed at Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery, also known as the “Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha,” a prominent Tibetan Buddhist center established in 1996.
The delegation will participate in a series of activities, including discourses by the 43rd Shaky Trizin Rinpoche, presentation of the ‘Kangyur’—a 108-volume set of Mongolian Buddhist scriptures, and interactions with local devotees. The exhibition also features Buddhist art treasures from India, an exhibition of Buddhist postage stamps from around the world, and efforts to enhance cultural diplomacy.
Deputy CM Maurya expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the opportunity to represent India at this historic event. He noted that the relics originate from Piprahwa, Uttar Pradesh, historically linked to the ancient city of Kapilavastu, underlining their significance for the global Buddhist community. “Lord Buddha’s message of compassion, peace, and non-violence is a priceless legacy of India. This exhibition strengthens spiritual, cultural, and diplomatic relations between India and Russia,” he added.
Maurya highlighted India’s ongoing efforts under PM Modi to project its cultural heritage globally, emphasizing that India’s message to the world is one of peace and coexistence rather than conflict. The exhibition reinforces the deep historical, cultural, and spiritual connections shared between India and Buddhist communities worldwide.
The delegation’s visit marks an important milestone in India-Russia cultural diplomacy, promoting global awareness of India’s Buddhist heritage while fostering cross-cultural dialogue and international spiritual exchange.
