India and Kyrgyzstan Unite for Cultural Studies
From July 4 to 7, an Indian delegation engaged in a significant visit to Kyrgyzstan for the launch of the International Centre for Civilizational Studies titled “Manas and Mahabharata.” This initiative, a collaboration between the Manas National Academy and the Centre for Studies of International Relations (CSIR) in New Delhi, aims to promote cultural understanding between the two nations.
During the inauguration, key partnerships were formed as the Manas National Academy, the CSIR, and seven Kyrgyz universities—including KNU, BSU, AUCA, and Ala-Too—signed cooperative agreements. A highlight of the event was the presentation of the first Hindi translation of the Kyrgyz epic, Manas. The event also received support from both the Kyrgyz Embassy in India and the Indian Embassy in Kyrgyzstan.
The ceremony was graced by Sunil Ambekar, a prominent member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), who served as the chief guest. Other notable attendees from the Indian delegation included Professor Hem Chandra Pande and Dr. Punit Gaur.
In addition to the inauguration, the delegation met with Oktyabr Kapalbayev, a key Kyrgyz official, to discuss further collaboration. Other dignitaries present included Durusbek Kozuev, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education, and Salkyn Sarnogoeva, Deputy Minister of Culture.
In his address, Ambekar emphasized the deep-rooted cultural ties between Bharat and Kyrgyzstan, highlighting the Mahabharata’s influence on Indian culture and the pivotal role of Manas in Kyrgyz heritage. He praised the efforts of Professors Pande and Dwivedi in translating Manas into Hindi and called the centre a notable step forward.
Dr. Punit Gaur noted that the centre will foster educational and cultural cooperation between India and Kyrgyzstan, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a Civilizational Dialogue Forum. The centre will focus on various aspects, including comparing civilizational studies and promoting humanitarian diplomacy.
The ceremony also marked the launch of the Hindi version of Manas, translated by Pande and Dwivedi, which aims to familiarize Indian readers with Kyrgyz traditions. The translation draws from a poetic retelling by Mar Baizhiev, a recognized writer in Kyrgyzstan, and covers all sections of the epic.
During their visit, the Indian delegation took the opportunity to explore cultural sites like the Chingiz Aitmatov House Museum and the Ata-Beyit National Historical and Memorial Complex, further enriching their experience in Kyrgyzstan.
