Bangkok

In a significant step in the Indo-Thai bilateral relationship, the Indian Ambassador to Thailand and the President of Silpakorn University in Bangkok renewed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Friday for the establishment of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Sanskrit Chair at the University.

The re-signing underscores the long-standing cooperation between ICCR and Silpakorn University in preserving shared linguistic heritage. They also discussed efforts to promote the Hindi language among Thai students and explore exchanges of expertise in archaeology.

“The Ambassador, in his remarks, highlighted the contribution of Silpakorn University in promoting deep-rooted linguistic and cultural ties between India and Thailand, especially through its Sanskrit Study Centre. Exploring other areas of cooperation, including the promotion of the Hindi language among Thai students and exchange of expertise in archaeology, were also discussed,” the Embassy of India in Bangkok posted on X.

Sanskrit has had a profound influence on the philosophy, religion, languages, and literature of many Southeast Asian countries, particularly Thailand. It has been taught in Thailand for over 100 years. To further promote Sanskrit study and research, Silpakorn University approved the proposal to establish the Sanskrit Studies Centre in 1996.

The ICCR Chair of Sanskrit was established at Silpakorn University under the MoU between ICCR and Silpakorn University, signed in June 2013. This MoU was renewed in April 2023 and is valid until December 2024.

In addition to the Sanskrit Chair, ICCR and Thammasat University signed an MoU in 2013 for the establishment of the ICCR Hindi Chair at Pridi Banomyong International College (PBIC), Thammasat University (valid until April 2025), as well as an MoU for the establishment of a Chair of Indian Studies at Chiang Mai University in 2018.

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In the 80th edition of the monthly radio programme Mann ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the teaching of Sanskrit in Thailand and other countries. He highlighted the important role Sanskrit has played in strengthening cultural ties between India and Thailand. He also mentioned two Thai Sanskrit scholars, Dr. Chirapat Prapandvidya and Dr. Kusuma Raksamani, who have been pivotal in promoting Sanskrit in Thailand.

India’s bilateral relations with Thailand are deeply rooted in history, with longstanding social and cultural interactions and extensive people-to-people contacts. Hindu influences are evident in Thai architecture, arts, sculpture, dance, drama, and literature. The Thai language also contains elements of Pali and Sanskrit.