New Delhi: A postage stamp featuring Shri Ram Lalla of Ayodhya has been issued by Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), making it the first country in the world to issue a stamp depicting the Hindu god. The stamp was released during India’s external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar’s visit to the country, highlighting the deep-rooted civilizational and cultural ties between India and Lao PDR.
A special commemorative postage stamp of Shri Ram Lalla was jointly unveiled by Jaishankar and Lao PDR’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith in a ceremony held in Vientiane, the capital of Laos. India’s ambassador to Laos, Prashant Agrawal, was also present at the event. This took place during Dr. Jaishankar’s visit to the Southeast Asian nation for the ASEAN meetings.
The stamp set comprises two unique stamps: one depicting Lord Buddha of Luang Prabang, the ancient capital of Laos and a notable Buddhist site, and the other portraying Shri Ram Lalla of Ayodhya. Buddhism has historically forged a profound link between India and Lao PDR, with India being the birthplace of Buddhism and home to numerous pivotal sites related to the faith, which enjoys a widespread following, particularly in Southeast Asia.
The idol of Lord Ram which has been installed in the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is in the form of a five-year-old child (Ram Lalla) and has been made using dark-coloured stone and is 51 inches tall. It is sculpted by sculptor Arun Yogiraj.
The idol of Shri Ram Lalla was ceremoniously installed in the temple’s sanctum sanctorum on January 22, 2024.
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.
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