Exhibition in Delhi Highlights 70 Years of India-Mongolia Diplomatic Relations and Cultural Exchange

An exhibition in Delhi celebrates over 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Mongolia, showcasing Mongolian culture and shared traditions. The event includes a conference discussing cultural exchanges across various fields.

A special exhibition celebrating Mongolian culture has been inaugurated to commemorate over seven decades of diplomatic ties between India and Mongolia, according to officials from the culture ministry. The event coincided with the second day of a conference at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA). This exhibition will remain open to visitors until February 25.

Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat highlighted the conference's role in showcasing the spiritual and cultural connections shared by India and Mongolia. He noted that these exchanges have expanded beyond religious aspects to include fields like astronomy, calendrical sciences, medicine, literature, and philosophy. The Mongolian Kanjur, a revered Buddhist text in 108 volumes, was also mentioned as a significant cultural element.

Shared Cultural Heritage

The Mongolian Kanjur holds great importance in Mongolian Buddhism. It is regarded as a sacred text, with its lines recited as part of religious rituals. In Mongolian, Kanjur translates to "Concise Orders," representing the words of Lord Buddha. Shekhawat emphasised that preserving and digitising this text would enhance cultural diplomacy and civilisational dialogue between the two nations.

Ganbold Dambajav, Mongolia's Ambassador to India, described India as Mongolia's spiritual neighbour and an important regional ally. He underscored Buddhism as a core shared value and highlighted efforts in preserving and translating classical Buddhist texts. The ambassador's remarks reflected the deep-rooted spiritual connections between the two countries.

Academic Collaborations

The conference served as a platform for scholars to delve into the historical, cultural, and spiritual bonds between India and Mongolia. Topics discussed included archaeological connections, religious and literary traditions, Sanskrit manuscripts found in Mongolia, artistic exchanges, and shared material heritage. The event attracted scholars from India, Mongolia, France, and the US.

Over two days, 75 research papers were presented by experts from various countries. These presentations provided insights into the rich cultural tapestry that binds India and Mongolia. The discussions aimed to foster greater understanding and collaboration in preserving shared heritage.

The exhibition and conference collectively highlighted the enduring relationship between India and Mongolia. By exploring their shared history and cultural values, both nations aim to strengthen their diplomatic ties further. This event marks a significant step in promoting mutual respect and understanding through cultural exchange.

With inputs from PTI