Ambassador Speeches

H.E. Mr. Asein Isaev, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs

Ms. Nazira Aaly Kyzy- President, National “Manas” Academy

Sh. Sunil Ambekarji,

Prof. Ramakant Dwivedi- Director, India- Central Asia Foundation (ICAF)

Prof. Hem Chandra Pande- Former Head, Centre for Russian Studies, JNU

Excellencies, Distinguished Scholars, Members of the Academic Community, Distinguished guests,Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great honour and privilege for me to participate in the inauguration of the International Civilizational Research Center “Manas and Mahabharata” and the launch of the Hindi translation of the Kyrgyz epic Manas.

At the outset, I congratulate the scholars of the Manas Academy, and all partners whose vision and dedication have made this historic initiative possible.

Today’s event celebrates the deep cultural and civilizational bonds that have long connected India and Kyrgyzstan.

The Kyrgyz epic Manas occupies a unique place in the cultural heritage of humanity. Recognized as a symbol of the national identity, historical memory, and spiritual heritage of the Kyrgyz people, Manas has been transmitted across generations through the rich oral tradition of the Manaschis. The manuscript tradition of Manas has also received international recognition through its inscription in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register.

Likewise, India’s Mahabharata stands as one of the world's greatest epics (contains over 1,25,000 verses), encompassing philosophy, ethics, statecraft, duty, and the human quest for truth. Across millennia, it has shaped the intellectual and cultural life of the Indian civilization. Bhagavad Gita, philosophical core of Mahabharata is also inscribed on the UNESCO’s memory of World Register.

Although emerging from different geographical and historical contexts, Manas and Mahabharata share remarkable common themes. Both celebrate courage, leadership, sacrifice, loyalty, and the triumph of righteousness. Both preserve collective memory and convey timeless values that continue to inspire contemporary societies. Their study offers valuable insights into the cultural imagination and moral vision of our peoples.

In this context, the establishment of the International Civilizational Research Center “Manas and Mahabharata” is both timely and significant. The Center has the potential to become a leading platform for comparative studies, scholarly exchanges, translations, conferences, and collaborative research.

The publication of the Hindi translation of Manas marks another historic milestone. Presented in New Delhi during the India–Central Asia scholarly engagement, this translation was undertaken by distinguished Indian scholars Professor Ramakant Dwivedi and Professor Hem Chandra Pandey with the support of the Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic in India. It opens the doors of this magnificent epic to millions of Hindi-speaking readers and researchers.

The Hindi edition of Manas will undoubtedly enrich academic discourse and deepen people-to-people ties between our two friendly countries.

India remains committed to strengthening cultural and educational cooperation with Kyrgyzstan. We believe that initiatives such as this Center will contribute meaningfully to preserving cultural heritage, promoting scholarly research, and fostering mutual understanding among future generations.

I once again congratulate all those associated with this remarkable initiative and wish the International Civilizational Research Center “Manas and Mahabharata” every success in its noble mission.

Dhanyawad

Rahmat.