India, Laos release world's first stamp featuring Shri Ram Lalla of Ayodhya
- In Reports
- 07:34 PM, Jul 27, 2024
- Myind Staff
Sri Ram Lalla of Ayodhya is featured on a postage stamp produced by Lao PDR (Lao People's Democratic Republic), which is the first country in the world to do so. Highlighting the profound cultural and civilizational links between Lao PDR and India, this announcement was made during the visit of India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar.
At the heart of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya lies the statue of Shri Ram Lalla, which symbolises Bhagwan Ram in his childlike form. Inaugurated ceremoniously in the temple's sanctum sanctorum on January 22, 2024, the 51-inch-tall black stone murti.
During a ceremony in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Lao PDR, Saleumxay Kommasith, and India's Dr. S. Jaishankar jointly released the unique commemorative postal stamp set. Prashant Agrawal, India's ambassador to Laos, was present for the event. The incident took place when Dr. Jaishankar was in the nation of Southeast Asia for ASEAN meetings.
Two unique stamps make up the set: one depicts Lord Buddha of Luang Prabang, the historic capital of Laos and a major Buddhist shrine, and the other represents Bhagwan Shri Ram of Ayodhya.
India and Lao PDR have a long history of shared Buddhist roots, as the former is home to numerous significant Buddhist sites and is the birthplace of the world-renowned religion, which is particularly popular in Southeast Asia.
The epic Ramayana is highly regarded in India and is also deeply ingrained in Laotian culture. Ramakien, or the Story of Phra Lak Phra Ram, is the Lao translation of the Ramayana. It is frequently carried out on lucky days. Long-standing historical links are symbolised by the stamp set's theme, "Celebrating Shared Cultural Heritage of Lao PDR and India."
Image source: Wion
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