133th Birth Anniversary of Vietnamese Leader Ho Chi Minh & International Museum Day observed by Indian Museum

Partha Roy, Kolkata: 133th Birth anniversary of Vietnamese Leader Ho Chi Minh (May 19, 1890-September 2, 1969) and International Museum Day (18th May) observed by Indian Museum at its premises in Kolkata on 18th May 2023.

India and Vietnam have historical cultural relationship spanning many centuries old . However, India and Vietnam established full fledged Diplomatic relationship after both countries became independent on 7th January 1972 which has entered in to its 51st year. Indian Museum Kolkata in collaboration with Indo Vietnam Solidarity Committee( IVSC) presented a photo exhibition and seminar on “Imprints of Indian Culture in Vietnam to mark 133rd Birth Anniversary of great revolutionary leader and Father of the nation of Vietnam Ho Chi Minh and International Museum Day.

The photo exhibition showcased well preserved ruins of about two hundred Hindu Temples at various sites of Central Vietnam and numerous idols, sculptures of myraid Hindu deities recovered through various excavation and preserved in museums in Vietnam. Ruins are proof of age-old traditional relations dating back to many centuries.

The exhibition was opened by Governor of West Bengal Shri C V Anand Bose in presence of Ambassador of Vietnam to India Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hai ,IVSC Convenor Smt. Kusum Jain, Sri Prem Kapoor Secretary of IVSC, Dr. Sayan Bhattacharya Educational Officer of Indian Museum and other dignitaries.

Governor of West Bengal spoke on historical social and cultural connections between India and Vietnam .He highlighted freedom struggle of Vietnamese people. He mentioned about growing and deepening bilateral India -Vietnam relationship far beyond Cultural Relations in the evolving geo- political scenario. India – Vietnam relationship expanded to economic & trade, defence, education , cyber security , media, tourism and evolving sunrise sectors. Shri Anand Bose shared his personal experiences during his visit to Vietnam. Shri Anand Bose said India Vietnam Relationship is like “Rainbow Bridges”.

Ambassador of Vietnam Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hai spoke on historical connections between India and Vietnam and India’s support to people of Vietnam during freedom and unification movement. He highlighted Great Revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh’s visit to Kolkata and warm reception extend to him. India and Vietnam are collaborating in various international fourms to improve quality of life in each other’s country as well as in other nations also. Ambassador of Vietnam mentioned about introduction of several flights between India and Vietnam as well as direct shipping services between two nations will further enhance people to people connection between two nations.

India’s Buddhist and Brahaminical culture had great influence in Vietnam over several thousands years .First convoy of Indian traders set off to Vietnam from Champa Puri (Bhagalpur) via Tamralipta (Bengal) and Gopalpur (Odisha) also during the first century or may be even before that. Subsequently, they established a Hindu Kingdom in the central part of Vietnam during the 2nd century and which lasted till the 15th century.

Shri Gautam De (IFS ) former diplomat and Cultural history specialist recollected role of late Shri Geetesh Sharma researcher, author and journalist in unearthing historical cultural linkages between India and Vietnam. During several study tours to Vietnam ,Geetesh Sharma photographed certain evidences of cultural link at various sites of Central Vietnam in the form of remains of Hindu temples idols and sculptures of Hindu deities.

India and Vietnam relationship evolved over time. Currently India Vietnam relationship elevated to ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’ level during the last visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Vietnam. India-Vietnam working on to find solutions to new challenges those are evolving in current time and current century like climate change, food security, trade and economic development, preservation of intangible and tangible Cultural heritages, fulfilment of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.