The Bhutanese Leading the way.
A photo exhibition on the Buddhist heritage sites of India has started at the Gyelyong Tshokhang. India’s Ambassador to Bhutan, Gautam Bambawale and the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Chimi Dorji as well as Members of Parliament and Cabinet Ministers attended the opening ceremony on 4th June.
The ambassador said “I was privileged to travel with Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay to India in January this year.” The prime minister paid a visit to some of the important sites such as Sarnath, Bodhgaya and Nalanda and his action impacted the ambassador greatly. “It led me to realize that India and Bhutan share the immense heritage of civilization. It was during this trip that the idea of the exhibition germinated in my mind,” he added.
Meanwhile, Chimi Dorji emphasized that among various cooperation enjoyed by two countries, one important area is culture. He said “Buddhism has been the cornerstone of interactions between Bhutan and India since pre-medieval time and those cultural heritage sites are important for Bhutanese as much as it is for the people of India.” The photo exhibition, he believes, will further add radiance to the Indo-Bhutan friendship. The Deputy Speaker also thanked the Ambassador and the Nehru-Wangchuck Cultural Center for organizing the exhibition.
A total of 30 photos that was taken by Indian photographer/film maker/ historian Benoy K. Behl showcase various Buddhist heritage sites in India. He photographed various historic monuments including Badami cave temple in Bagalkot, Veerabhadra temple in Lepalshi, Ellora caves that was designated as a World Heritage Site.
The exhibition, jointly organized by the National Assembly of Bhutan, Embassy of India and the Nehru-Wangchuck Cultural Center, and will also be taken to different locations across the country.
