J&K LG Manoj Sinha in Russia to Bring Back Holy Relics of Lord Buddha
GG News Bureau
Moscow, 18th Oct: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha arrived in Russia on Friday to bring back the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha to India following their week-long exposition in Elista, the capital city of the Republic of Kalmykia.
Speaking to the media after offering homage at the Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery, popularly known as the Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha, Shri Sinha said the exposition of the relics would “strengthen people-to-people ties between India and Russia” and serve as “a bridge of spiritual friendship.”
“The exposition of the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha in Kalmykia is a landmark event representing a historic homecoming of faith for the Kalmyk people — the only Buddhist nation in Europe,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor offered prayers, lighted a ceremonial lamp, and presented a Khatak to the Holy Relics and to Bakula Rinpoche. He also presented a Kashmiri shawl to Shajin Lama and received blessings.
Shri Sinha, who is leading the Indian delegation, was received by First Deputy Chairman of Kalmykia’s Government Tserenov Erdni Nikolayevich, Deputy Chairman Dzhambinov Ochir Vladimirovich, and India’s Deputy Chief of Mission Shri Nikhilesh Giri. The delegation will accompany the relics back to India on October 19, 2025.
Before departing, the LG expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the sacred opportunity, posting on X:
“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.”
The exposition, organized by the Ministry of Culture’s BTI section in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), National Museum, and IGNCA, drew over 90,000 devotees to the monastery.
The sacred relics — recognized as a National Treasure of India — were earlier brought to Elista by a high-level delegation led by Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya, along with senior monks.
This first-of-its-kind exposition in Russia highlights the deep civilizational bonds between India and Russia, reviving the legacy of 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, the revered monk-diplomat from Ladakh who played a vital role in reawakening Buddhism in Mongolia, Buryatia, Tuva, and Kalmykia.
