- October 4, 2025
- Kalmsu Team
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                        Elista, Kalmykia - The vibrant city of Elista has just burst into cultural and spiritual energy as the International Buddhist Forum began, attracting participants, dignitaries, monks, and scholars throughout the world. Indian MBBS students of the Kalmyk State University (KalmSU) were among the participants of the event; they not only attended the historic event but also actively participated in the celebrations, which provided the event with a special cultural touch.
The Buddhist Forum, which is held in the Republic of Kalmykia, the only Buddhist country in Europe, has traditionally been a symbol of peace, dialogue, and intercultural relations. This was the most special forum this year as more international representatives were present, including future doctors in India who had decided to pursue MBBS in Russia with Kalmyk State University as their preferred choice. Their participation highlighted the growing educational and cultural ties between India and Kalmykia.
For the Indian medical students, the visit to the Elista Buddhist Forum was not just a cultural excursion. It was an opportunity to experience Kalmykia’s deep-rooted Buddhist heritage and represent the dynamic spirit of Indian youth abroad. Most students shared that the event helped them connect with familiar traditions while also introducing them to new ways of understanding peace, compassion, and global collaboration.
The students participated in the welcoming procession, toured religious monasteries, and interacted with Buddhist authorities and the residents. Moreover, they were warmly welcomed by the people of Elista, who appreciated the students’ enthusiasm for learning about Kalmyk culture and spiritual practices.
On the sidelines of the forum, a group of students showed their appreciation:
 “We have come to Kalmykia to pursue our dream of becoming doctors, and today we feel equally honored to be a part of such a great cultural event. It puts a feeling of belongingness, and it makes us proud ambassadors of India at Kalmyk State University.”
Kalmyk State University has become one of the destinations that Indian students prefer when taking medical education in Russia. The university has been actively receiving increasing international students due to its relatively low tuition charges, internationally acclaimed curriculum, and deep-rooted commitment to practical training. The involvement of KalmSU’s Indian students in the Buddhist Forum indicates that the institution is not only interested in academic excellence but also in the all-round development through introduction to the culture and international experience.
The representatives of the university highlighted the fact that such events form bridges of understanding:
 “We believe education does not just take place in the classroom and labs. Through engaging our students in such forums, we enable them to open up their minds and develop the principles of compassion, tolerance, and unity, which will be very crucial to the future doctors,” said a faculty member.
Elista is a second home to most of the Indian MBBS students. Their journey to school is not a boring experience due to the safe environment, cultural friendliness, and rich tradition of Kalmykia. Their attendance at the Buddhist Forum provided them a chance to feel better a part of the local community, and to represent their Indian heritage with pride.
This incident is also a reminder that India and Kalmykia share the same cultural values, both being deeply attached to Buddhism. The involvement of the Indian students further highlighted the significance of the people-to-people relationships in the enhancement of international relations.
As the Buddhist Forum in Elista progresses, the appearance of international students, such as the Indian ones, demonstrates the changing global character of Kalmykia’s cultural and educational landscape. For the Indian MBBS students at Kalmyk State University, it was not merely a celebration of Buddhism, but also a celebration of friendship, learning, and unity across borders.
Their active involvement can be seen as an example of how education in a foreign nation can be accompanied by cultural immersion, and it is not only a home to study medicine but also an opening to a wide range of experiences.
Through such events, Kalmyk State University continues to reinforce its reputation as a top choice for Indian students pursuing MBBS in Russia, which not only provides its students with quality education but also an opportunity to be a global citizen.
Kalmyk State university, Ulitsa Pushkina, 11, Elista, Republic of Kalmykia, Russia, 358000
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