The Embassy of India in Cambodia has launched a video series depicting major Cambodian temples with significant Indian influences.
The launch event took place at the embassy premises on Aug. 12 in the presence of H.E. Hab Touch, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Culture and Fine-Arts, and other officials as well as students of the Royal University of Fine Arts.
The event was launched as part of the Iconic Week celebrations by the Embassy of India Phnom Penh of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) from Aug. 8-16, 2022, culminating in the grand reception to mark the 75th Anniversary of India’s independence.
The AKAM is an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of progressive India and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements, the embassy pointed out in a press release.
Addressing the function, H.E. Dr. Devyani Khobragade, Ambassador of India, highlighted the shared heritage and culture and conveyed India’s commitment to reach out to Cambodian people for further people to people contact in this important year, the 70th anniversary of India-Cambodia bilateral relations.
India was the first country to undertake the restoration and conservation of the Angkor Wat after the Khmer Rouge regime from 1986-1993 and remains actively engaged in Conservation of Preah Vihear and Ta Prohm Temples.
Ambassador and chief guest Secretary of State co-launched the 20 video series covering many significant temples in Cambodia like the Angkor Wat, Preah vihear, Chisor Temple, Ta Prohm Temple etc, as well as the other unexplored temples in jungles of Cambodia. These temples have strong Indian connections with Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesh etc. depicted prominently in them.
H.E. Dr. Devyani Khobragade appreciated the presenter Mr. Paulo Bonini’s work, who is a British Explorer and the creator of forgotten temples of Cambodia who curated the series for the Government of India.
Secretary of State H.E. Hab Touch thanked the embassy for the initiative and hoped that the videos will help people of India and Cambodia understand and explore our shared cultural heritage and hoped that more Indians will visit the majestic temples of Cambodia as a result of this series.
The video series will be available on You Tube Channel of the Embassy of India in Phnom Penh, and on all social media channels.
Source: Agency Kampuchea Press