India-Russia Cultural Visit: UP Deputy CM Gifts Sacred Ganjur to Kalmyk State University

Elista, Kalmykia - Kalmyk State University (KalmSU) had the honor of welcoming a distinguished delegation from the Republic of India, led by Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, and Mr. Vinay Kumar, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of India to Russia. The delegation also included His Holiness the 43rd Sakya Trizin Rinpoche, Head of the Sakya Order, along with eminent Buddhist scholars and clergy.

The visit was part of a momentous spiritual and cultural event - the arrival of the sacred relics of Lord Buddha Shakyamuni to Kalmykia. The relics are currently enshrined in the central khurul (temple) of the Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni, a revered place of worship and pilgrimage. Further, the ceremony to welcome the Buddhist relics, held on Saturday, was attended by KalmSU students and cadets from the Military Training Center, reflecting the profound respect and enthusiasm of the local academic and spiritual communities.

A Visit of Knowledge and Spiritual Purpose

Upon his visit to Kalmyk State University, Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya thanked the university for the warm welcome with kind words and emphasized the role played by the university in promoting education, culture, and international communication.

“He said that I have attended many meetings during this visit, but my journey would be incomplete without visiting Kalmyk State University.”

He emphasized that the delegation’s visit was deeply connected with the arrival of the holy relics of Buddha Shakyamuni, symbolizing peace, wisdom, and compassion.

Shri Maurya remarked that the people of this region now have the opportunity to receive the blessings of the Enlightened One. We held a productive meeting with the Government of the Republic, during which we discussed various areas of collaboration, particularly in education. Kalmyk State University plays a vital role in shaping the academic and intellectual landscape of the region.”

Recognizing Kalmyk State University’s Academic Excellence

Shri Maurya praised Russian universities, including Kalmyk State University, for their dedication to excellence in research, innovation, and teaching. He observed that the numerous institutions in Russia have ended up being centers of scientific and scholarly development, drawing scholars from Kalmykia and other regions.

“This demonstrates the high standards of scientific and academic work maintained by Russian universities,” he said.

Presentation of the Sacred “Ganjur” - A Gift of Wisdom

As part of the visit, Shri Maurya presented Kalmyk State University with the sacred encyclopedia “Ganjur”, also known as the Kangyur, which is a fundamental collection of the teachings of Lord Buddha. This monumental work covers diverse fields of human knowledge, including theology and philosophy, history and logic, medicine and linguistics.

The Ganjur is regarded as one of the primary sources of Buddhist wisdom, and reading it is often compared to having a conversation with Buddha himself. Its presentation to KalmSU serves as a gesture of goodwill and a bridge of intellectual and spiritual connection between India and Kalmykia.

Addressing students and faculty, Shri Maurya encouraged everyone to explore and reflect on the teachings within the Ganjur:

“Buddha’s teachings are profound, and to truly understand them, one must integrate these teachings into one’s actions and thoughts. When you read and contemplate the Ganjur, you will find peace, wisdom, and balance in your life. It will guide you to become a responsible citizen of your republic and your country.”

A Message of Blessings and Inspiration

In his closing remarks, Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya extended his blessings to all students and faculty members, praying for their success and spiritual growth.

“I pray to Lord Buddha to bless you all with wisdom, compassion, and strength,” he said.

His Holiness the 43rd Sakya Trizin Rinpoche and Ambassador Vinay Kumar also expressed their appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by Kalmyk State University and commended its contribution to promoting intercultural understanding and academic excellence.

Continuing the Legacy of Knowledge and Harmony

The Indian delegation's visit once again reaffirmed the interest of Kalmyk State University in nurturing global partnerships, developing education, and fostering peace via knowledge and dialogue.

The university takes the privilege to express its deepest gratitude to the visit of Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya, His Holiness Sakya Trizin Rinpoche, and Ambassador Vinay Kumar for their visit and the invaluable gift of the Ganjur, which will be an everlasting inspiration to students, scholars, and generations to come.