Embassy of India

Phnom Penh

PRESS RELEASE

International Sanskrit Day celebration and Inauguration of India Book Corner under “ Read in Peace Campaign”

On Aug 18 th , 2023, the Embassy of India Phnom Penh, in collaboration with Preah Sihamuni Raja Buddhist University (SBU) and Royal University of Fine Arts celebrated International Sanskrit Day. The ceremony was held in the gracious presence of His Holiness Samdech Preah Mohasangaraja Bour Kry, the Rector of PSB University, H.E. Dr. Devyani Khobragade, Ambassador of India, Secretary of state, Ministry of Cults and Religion and Mr Ya Da , Vice Rector of Royal University of Fine Arts.

2. The ceremony marked the soft launch of Sanskrit book “Common Sanskrit Loanwords in Modern Khmer Language”, published by The Embassy of India in collaboration with The Royal University of Fine Arts (RUFA) with the help of Dr. Chhom Kunthea, followed by Inauguration of an India Book Corner under in the library of the PSR Buddhist University under “Read in Peace Campaign”, Ambassador donated 200 books on Indian History, Art and Architecture, Jainism, Buddhism, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Vedas Buddhist Art, Philosophy an so on.

3. Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Ambassador congratulated the entire team of Preah Sihamoni Raja Buddhist University for co- organizing the event and highlighted the richness of Sanskrit as

on it is believed to have originated in India around 3500 years ago and emphasized on the need for protection and propagation of Sanskrit for the benefit of the future generations. Ambassador Dr. Devyani Khobragade assured all cooperation to further strengthen Embassy’s partnership with the PSRB University. 4. Addressing students, Ambassador encouraged them to enhance their reading skills as well as avail various scholarship projects being sponsored by the Government of India under Indian Council for Cultural Relation (ICCR), ASEAN and ITEC programmes for higher studies in India. Embassy of India is also working on an MoU between Nav Nalanda Mahavihar and Preah Sihamoni Buddhist University for academic cooperation and people-to- people connect, as capacity building through institutional linkages . It is one of the important areas of cooperation between India and Cambodia.

5. Ambassador also announced creation of Computer Lab at Sihamuni University with a capital cost of USD 50,000/- under the Quick Impact Projects (QIP) under Mekong-Ganga cooperation for up-gradation of physical infrastructure as well as skill development for local students. The computer lab will improve students performance in every field specially in Information Technology and Communication Skills.

6. His Holiness Samdech Preah Mohasangaraja Bour Kry, the Rector of PSB University, in his concluding remarks, congratulated Ambassador on celebrating 77 th Independence Day of India and shared his experience on his India’s visit and growing strong relationship between India and Cambodia. The official visit of Preah Karuna Preah Boromoneat Norodom Sihamoni, The King of Cambodia to India, after 60 years signifies our strong ties he added. The event concluded with chanting of Sanskrit verses by Samdech Preah Mohasangaraja Bour Kry.

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