India and Vietnam share profound historic connections courting again virtually 2,000 years that are rooted in Buddhism, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar mentioned on Sunday as he inaugurated a bust of Nobel Laureate writer-poet Rabindranath Tagore in Bac Ninh metropolis.

Jaishankar prolonged his gratitude to the management of Bac Ninh province, which lies to the east of Hanoi, for his or her assist for putting in Tagore’s bust.

“India and Vietnam have profound historical connections dating back almost 2,000 years, which are rooted in the legacy of Buddhism. Bac Ninh province is also a part of this ancient tradition. Historical records validate Indian monks played a significant role in introducing Buddhism to Vietnam,” he mentioned whereas talking on the inaugural ceremony.

“Today marks the addition of a remarkable memorial honoring an exceptional Indian personality Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, himself a renowned painter, educator, humanist, music composer and a very profound thinker,” he mentioned.

Jaishankar, who arrived within the nation on a four-day official go to, mentioned he felt completely satisfied to know that Tagore’s works are extensively recognised, learn and appreciated all through Vietnam and have been included in Vietnamese textbooks.

“It’s indeed heartening to know that Tagore’s Gitanjali was translated into Vietnamese and published in 2001. Historical records indicate that Tagore paid a three-day visit to Ho Chi Minh City in 1929, leaving a lasting intellectual and socio-cultural impact on Vietnam,” the minister mentioned.

Gitanjali, a group of poetry, is Tagore’s most well-known work and was printed in India in 1910. Tagore gained the Nobel Prize for Literature for its English translation, Song Offerings, making him the primary non-European to obtain this honour in 1913.

Jaishankar mentioned he was happy to know that Vietnam issued a commemorative postage stamp in honour of Tagore in 1982.

“We are honoured by the respect and admiration shown towards him in Vietnam…I believe unveiling Gurudev Tagore’s bust today will enhance the international character of Bac Ninh city,” he mentioned.

Later in a publish on X, Jaishankar mentioned Gurudev’s works are extensively identified and appreciated all through Vietnam.

“Sure that this will enhance the international reputation of Bac Ninh province and further its strong ties with India,” he added.

At the event, he also witnessed a performance by the Quan Ho Art Theater group from Bac Ninh province. The group will travel to India for the 9th India International Dance and Music Festival in New Delhi.

He also interacted with members of the Indian community in Bac Ninh province.

“The India-Vietnam civilizational join is so seen on the Phat Tich pagoda in Bac Ninh. Appreciate the heat of my welcome,” he mentioned in one other publish on X.

He additionally met Most Ven. Thich Thanh Nhieu of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha at Phat Tich. “Appreciated his positive sentiments about spirituality, yoga, art & culture,” he mentioned.

Jaishankar arrived in Vietnam on Sunday. From Vietnam, he’ll journey to Singapore for a go to from October 19 to twenty.

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