Kalmykia confirms its status as centre of Buddhist culture at international forum in Elista
Photo: Press Service of the Republic of Kalmykia
MOSCOW, 2 October (BelTA — TV BRICS) — The Republic of Kalmykia is
ready to host international-level events. This was stated by the Head of
the region, Batu Khasikov, following the results of the 3rd
International Buddhist Forum, which took place in the capital of the
Russian region, Elista.
“The forum has become a vivid
demonstration that a full-fledged infrastructure for holding
international events has been created in Kalmykia. The region has
developed a tourist base, prepared human resources, and the capital of
the republic — Elista — has significantly changed,” he stressed.
The
event was attended by guests from Brazil, China, India, Nepal, Myanmar,
Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and other
states. TV BRICS acted as the international information partner of the
event.
Anton Kobyakov, Advisor to the President of the Russian
Federation, noted: “The International Buddhist Forum confirmed the great
significance of the Buddhist tradition as part of the world’s spiritual
and cultural heritage, relevant in the modern era. Such initiatives
make a substantial contribution to the development of international
dialogue and the strengthening of interfaith harmony, which is of
particular importance for maintaining trust and mutual understanding in
society, as well as for shaping a sustainable and fair world order based
on respect for the cultures and traditions of peoples.”
Chairman
of the Central Spiritual Administration of Buddhists Geshe Yonten added
that the forum aroused interest not only in Eastern countries but also
among representatives of Europe, Africa, North America, and Latin
America. According to him, this testifies to humanity’s aspiration for
peace and cooperation based on shared spiritual values.
During
the event, 48 municipal contracts were signed for the improvement of the
city. A new khurul (Buddhist temple — Ed.) was built in the village of
Ketchenery, and construction of a Buddha Park on a 30-hectare site has
begun.
Experts believe that the results of the forum open up new
horizons for Kalmykia: the holding of regular international events and
the development of the republic as a federal centre of cultural and
health tourism.
Kalmykia is the only region in Europe where
Buddhism is recognised as a traditional religion at the state level.
According to the republic’s authorities, 53 per cent of the population
practise Buddhism, forming the largest Buddhist community in this part
of the world.
