India Is Regarded In Mongolia As A Sacred Geography And A ‘Spiritual Neighbor’
The recent international conference titled ‘Cultural Interflow between India and Mongolia’ highlighted the deep-rooted cultural and spiritual connections between the two nations. Organized by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), the event marked 70 years of diplomatic relations and showcased the shared heritage that binds India and Mongolia.
Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, emphasized the significance of this relationship, referring to India as a ‘spiritual neighbor’ of Mongolia. The conference brought together scholars from various countries to explore historical ties and cultural exchanges, reaffirming the importance of collaboration in preserving shared traditions.
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Overview of the Conference
The two-day conference, held at the Samvet Auditorium of IGNCA, was inaugurated on February 19, 2026. It featured notable guests, including His Excellency Mr. Ganbold Dambajav, the Ambassador of Mongolia to India, and Shri Vivek Agarwal, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture. The event aimed to foster dialogue and understanding between the two nations through cultural and academic exchanges.
Significance of Cultural Ties
Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat highlighted that the conference reflects the shared spiritual and cultural traditions between India and Mongolia. He noted that exchanges have extended beyond religion into various fields, including:
- Astronomy
- Calendrical sciences
- Medicine
- Literature
- Philosophy
These exchanges have played a crucial role in shaping the civilizational dialogue between the two countries.
The Mongolian Kangyur
During his address, Shri Shekhawat referred to the Mongolian Kangyur, a significant record of linguistic and philosophical scholarship. He emphasized the importance of its preservation and digitization, which strengthens cultural diplomacy and civilizational dialogue. The initiative to preserve the Kangyur is part of a broader effort to integrate conservation science with digital technology.
Collaborative Efforts and Projects
Shri Vivek Agarwal discussed the strategic partnership between India and Mongolia, which includes cooperation in various sectors such as:
- Oil refinery projects
- Defense
- Education
- Manuscript preservation
He noted that projects like Project Mausam and Project Brihattar Bharat aim to document and preserve shared intangible heritage for multinational recognition at UNESCO.
Historical Context
Professor Nirmala Sharma, the Conference Convener, provided insights into the long history of cultural interflow between India and Mongolia, which spans over two millennia. She cited:
- Historical references to early exchanges
- Travels of monks
- Shared cultural symbols
This historical context underscores the deep-rooted connections that have existed between the two nations long before formal diplomatic relations were established.
Preservation of Buddhist Texts
Ambassador Ganbold Dambajav emphasized the importance of Buddhism as a central shared value between India and Mongolia. He highlighted the efforts in preserving and translating classical Buddhist texts, including the Kangyur and Tengyur, which have been supported by India. This collaboration has contributed to the dissemination of these texts and the strengthening of cultural ties.
Future Directions
As the conference concluded, it was evident that both nations are committed to further strengthening their cultural ties. The platform provided by the conference allowed scholars to examine various aspects of the historical, cultural, and spiritual connections, including:
- Archaeological links
- Religious and literary traditions
- Sanskrit manuscripts in Mongolia
- Artistic exchanges
- Shared material heritage
The insights gained from these discussions are expected to lead to concrete outcomes in the creative and cultural sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Mongolian Kangyur is a significant record of linguistic and philosophical scholarship that reflects the cultural and spiritual ties between India and Mongolia. Its preservation and digitization are essential for strengthening civilizational dialogue.
India and Mongolia collaborate in cultural preservation through initiatives like Project Mausam and Project Brihattar Bharat, which aim to document and preserve shared intangible heritage for recognition at UNESCO.
Key areas of cooperation include strategic sectors such as oil refinery projects, defense, education, and manuscript preservation, reflecting a comprehensive partnership grounded in shared civilizational memory.
Note: The conference serves as a vital platform for enhancing cultural ties and fostering collaborative efforts between India and Mongolia, ensuring that their rich heritage continues to thrive.
