The President of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Vinay Sahasrabuddhe paid a visit to Vietnam on August 4-5, 2023. He had talks with Ta Quang Dong, deputy minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam, as well as a meeting with Professor Le Van Loi, deputy director of Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics in Hanoi on August 4.

At these meetings, the two sides mentioned the deep people-to-people ties and common heritage between India and Vietnam.

President of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Vinay Sahasrabuddhe (left) met with Professor Le Van Loi, deputy director of Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics. Photo: Embassy of India in Vietnam

They also discussed cooperation in the fields of culture, art, academic exchange, heritage conservation to further strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Recalling the cultural exchange program for the period 2022-2025 signed between the two countries in December 2022, the two sides agreed to further facilitate cultural exchanges, promote diverse art forms, enhance interaction at the academic and institutional levels between the two countries.

Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe delivered a lecture titled "Connecting through Culture: India and Vietnam" at the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics followed by discussions, which was attended by scholars from the Center for Indian Studies of the Academy, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences and other institutions.

During the visit, he presented the ICCR Distinguished Alumni Award for 2022 to Nguyen Trung Khanh, general director of Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam for his outstanding contributions to the understanding, goodwill and friendship between India and Vietnam.

Discussion with Vietnamese research institutions. Photo: Embassy of India in Vietnam

General Director Nguyen Trung Khanh recalled his study at Bangalore University, India in 1999-2001 through an ICCR scholarship, which helped him develop his expertise and cross-cultural understanding.

"India has a long-standing, multi-religious, multi-ethnic culture," saidGeneral Director Nguyen Trung Khanh. "In particular, India has an education of international standards and prestige around the world, with friendly training environment, and advanced teaching methods."

General Director Nguyen Trung Khanh (right) received the award. Photo: Embassy of India in Vietnam

The ICCR President also presented the ICCR Award for Promotion of Buddhist Studies 2021 to Zen Master Thich Nu Lieu Phap (Dr. Duong Thi Thanh Huong) in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the promotion of Buddhist Studies internationally.

Zen Master Thich Nu Lieu Phap (Dr. Duong Thi Thanh Huong) (right) received the award.

Zen Master Thich Nu Lieu Phap recalled her study in India and said that "As Buddhists, we are also children of Buddha and we all wish to visit India at least once in our lives." She also said that India offers high quality education at all levels with affordable tuition fees.

Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe also had an exchange with Indian friends in Vietnam, and discussed areas to strengthen educational, cultural and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

ICCR scholarships for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels (https://a2ascholarships.iccr.gov.in) are being implemented effectively in Vietnam.

Vinay Sahasrabuddhe also mentioned the involvement of ICCR alumni, including their participation through the portal above.

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