Embassy of India
Bishkek
*****
Ambassador’s address on the Glass Box unveiling ceremony
(National History Museum : 8th July, 2024, 11 AM)
Deputy Minister of Culture Her Excellency Ms. Ainura Askarova,
Director of the National History Museum Ms. Zhyldyz Bakashova,
India Desk Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ms. Saikal Amanbekova,
Friends from the Media,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good Morning !
I am delighted to join all of you today for the unveiling of the Glass Box for the conservation of the reconstructed 8th century statue of Lord Buddha in the National Historical Museum of the Kyrgyz Republic. Government of India is happy to be associated with this project which was completed in a very short time. It also marks the beginning of a new chapter of our cooperation in the field of culture.
- India and the Kyrgyz Republic have historical links as both were part of the ancient Silk Route. The spread of Buddhism to the Kyrgyz Republic took place through this Silk Route. Buddhism binds our two countries. The statue of Lord Buddha in front of us today was excavated at the Krasnayarechka settlements in the Chui region of the Kyrgyz Republic. Lord Buddha is seen to be sitting in the lotus position and preliminary data tells us that this statue was built between 8th and 10th century. Discovery of such an antic sculpture establishes the historical connections between our two countries. The statue is now being moved to the exhibition “Monuments of Religion of Kyrgyzstan on the Great Silk Road” in this Museum.
- Cultural cooperation between India and the Kyrgyz Republic takes place under the Cultural Exchange Programme signed between our two countries in June 2022. The MOU envisages extensive engagements including in the fields of Museums and Archaeology. Government of India is ready to work with the Ministry of Culture to enter into further studies of Buddhist Artifacts and restoration of discovered historical cultural artifacts in the Kyrgyz Republic.
- The Glass Box for the preservation of the statue of Lord Buddha is a gift from the Government of India to the National Historical Museum of the Kyrgyz Republic. I am confident that this is only the beginning of similar cooperation in future in this sector. The ratification of the Protocol by both of our countries amending the MOU between India and the Kyrgyz Republic regarding Indian Grant Assistance for Implementation of High Impact Community Development Projects will enable this Embassy to undertake similar projects in the Kyrgyz Republic.
- The unveiling of the Glass Box today is a testimony of our commitment to enhance cooperation in the field of culture. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Director of the National Museum and her team for the speedy implementation of this project and for organizing this programme today. We are extremely grateful to the Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic for their excellent support in providing us with the timely approvals. I would like to specially mention the important role played by Mr. Maxim Polezhaev and Mr. Marlen Bakachiev for beautifully designing and constructing the Glass Box and the stand that is being unveiled by us today. A word of thanks for all my colleagues in the Embassy especially Second Secretary Mr. Rajesh Kumar who was a member of the Monitoring Committee which oversaw the implementation of this project.
- I thank all of you for joining us today.
Thank You!
