Synopsis
The Indian Ambassador to Thailand and Silpakorn University's President re-signed the MoU for the ICCR Sanskrit Chair, enhancing Indo-Thai cultural ties. This agreement supports the promotion of Sanskrit and Hindi among Thai students, emphasizing their shared linguistic heritage and cooperation in archaeology.Key Takeaways
- MoU renewed for ICCR Sanskrit Chair.
- Promotion of Hindi language among Thai students.
- Collaboration in archaeological expertise exchange.
- Sanskrit's historical significance in Thailand.
- Recognition of Thai Sanskrit scholars' contributions.
Bangkok, Feb 21 (NationPress) In a significant development for the Indo-Thai relationship, the Indian Ambassador to Thailand and the President of Silpakorn University in Bangkok re-signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the creation of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Sanskrit Chair at the University.
This re-signing underscores the enduring collaboration between ICCR and the University aimed at safeguarding their shared linguistic heritage. Discussions also centered on promoting the Hindi language among Thai students and the exchange of expertise in archaeology.
The Ambassador emphasized the role of Silpakorn University in enhancing the profound linguistic and cultural connections between India and Thailand, particularly through its Sanskrit Study Centre. Other areas of cooperation, including promoting Hindi among Thai students and archaeological expertise exchange, were also on the agenda, as noted by the Embassy of India in Bangkok on X.
Sanskrit has significantly influenced the philosophy, religion, languages, and literature of several Southeast Asian countries, particularly Thailand, where it has been taught for over a century. To further advance the study and research of Sanskrit, Silpakorn University established the Sanskrit Studies Centre in 1996.
The ICCR Chair of Sanskrit at Silpakorn University was established following the MoU signed in June 2013, which was renewed in April 2023 and remains effective until December 2024.
Besides the Sanskrit Chair, ICCR and Thammasat University also signed an MoU for the ICCR Hindi Chair at Pridi Banomyong International College (PBIC), Thammasat University in 2013 (valid until April 2025) and another MoU for the Chair of Indian Studies with Chiang Mai University in 2018.
During the 80th episode of the monthly radio program 'Mann ki Baat', Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the teaching of the Sanskrit language in Thailand and its importance in fortifying cultural relations between India and Thailand. He acknowledged the contributions of two Thai Sanskrit scholars, Dr. Chirapat Prapandvidya and Dr. Kusuma Raksamani, who have been instrumental in promoting Sanskrit in Thailand.
The historical bilateral relations between India and Thailand are deeply rooted in age-old social and cultural exchanges, as well as extensive people-to-people interactions. Hindu influences are evident in Thai architecture, arts, sculpture, dance, drama, and literature. Additionally, the Thai language incorporates elements from both Pali and Sanskrit.
