During his visit to Laos, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar along with his Laotian counterpart unveiled a postage stamp set featuring Ram Lalla, the deity of Ayodhya’s Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. The latest stamp set is the first in the world to feature Ram Lalla.
World’s 1st Stamp Depicting Shri Ram Lalla
Why In News
- During his visit to Laos, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar along with his Laotian counterpart unveiled a postage stamp set featuring Ram Lalla, the deity of Ayodhya’s Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. The latest stamp set is the first in the world to feature Ram Lalla.
About The Stamp
- The stamp set includes two stamps, one of Ram Lalla and the other of Lord Buddha of Luang Prabang, the ancient capital of Laos the ancient capital of Laos, which is also a significant Buddhist site
- Buddhism has long been a strong connection between India and Lao PDR, with the former being the country where Buddhism originated and a place of many important sites connected to the religion that has a global following, especially in Southeast Asia.
- Ramayana is a revered epic in India and holds a special place in Laotian culture as well. In Laos, the Ramayana is known as Ramakien or the Story of Phra Lak Phra Ram. It is often performed during auspicious occasions.
- The theme of the stamp set, “Celebrating Shared Cultural Heritage of Lao PDR and India” symbolises the long-standing historical ties.
- The stamp set was unveiled celebrating the mutual cultural heritage of Hinduism and Buddhism, between both nations. Notably, Dr Jaishankar was in Laos to attend the 31st ASEAN Regional Forum in Vientiane. During the release of the postage stamp, Laos’ Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith joined him.
10 MoU signed between India, Laos
- In his post on X, he also mentioned the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between India and the South Asian nation. He said, “Witnessed exchange of MoUs on 10 Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) for Laos under Mekong Ganga Cooperation and cooperation in sharing successful Digital Solutions.”
- Earlier in the day, while speaking at the 31st ASEAN Regional Forum in Vientiane, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stressed the necessity for the international community to take a firm stance against terrorism in all its forms.
- Jaishankar reiterated India’s firm support for the ASEAN unity and centrality, as well as the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). He underscored the synergy between India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and the AOIP, emphasising the significance of maritime safety, security, and the peaceful resolution of disputes following international law, particularly UNCLOS 1982.
- Jaishankar also detailed about his call with Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone regarding the issue of the trafficking of Indian nationals through cyber scam centers.
- He said, “Appreciate the ongoing cooperation of the Laos government in the rescue and relief of our citizens. Also discussed the matter with the Foreign Ministers of Cambodia and Thailand.”
