Published: 02:47 PM, 31 July 2024
Laos issues world's first-ever stamp depicting Shri Ram Lalla of Ayodhya
The stamp showcases Lord Shri Ram of Ayodhya. Photograph:(WION)
Lao PDR (Lao People's Democratic Republic) has issued a postage stamp featuring Shri Ram Lalla of Ayodhya, making it the first country in the world to issue a stamp depicting the revered deity. This release, during India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar's visit to the country, highlights the deep-rooted civilizational and cultural ties between Lao PDR and India.
The statue of Shri Ram Lalla, representing the child form of Lord Ram, is a prominent feature in the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Crafted from black stone, the statue stands 51 inches tall and was ceremoniously installed in the temple’s sanctum sanctorum on January 22, 2024.
The special commemorative postage stamp set was unveiled jointly by India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and Lao PDR’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith during a ceremony in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos. India's ambassador to Laos, Prashant Agrawal was present on the occasion. The event happened during Dr Jaishankar’s visit to the Southeast Asian country to participate in ASEAN meetings.
The stamp set consists of two distinct stamps- one features Lord Buddha of Luang Prabang, the ancient capital of Laos, which is also a significant Buddhist site, while the other showcases Lord Shri Ram of Ayodhya.
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.
>> Source: WION
