VOIWORLD/MOSCOW
It has started with a letter and the movement is taking shape now. As president Putin is making plans to visit ‘close friend’ India in 2025, the voices are growing louder to give more recognition to Hindu as a religion and facilitation of different activities associated with Hinduism
A letter in this regard has been written to President of Russia by Mr Manoj Kotwani, president Indian Business Alliance regarding this. Mr Kotwani wears many hats including president, Overseas Friends of BJP, Russia and President, Indian National Cultural Center “SITA”.
“The cultural and religious ties between India and Russia have deep historical roots, and it is imperative that we honor this legacy by ensuring the freedom and recognition of Hindu religious practices in Russia. The restoration of temples and cultural centers will not only preserve our heritage but will also strengthen the growing bonds of friendship and mutual respect between our two nations, ” adds Sammy Manoj Kotwani, President, Indian Business Alliance, President, Overseas Friends of BJP, Russia, President, Indian National Cultural Centre “SITA”
The text of the letter is this:
President of the Russian Federation
Indian National Cultural Center “SITA”
Mr. Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin
President of the Russian Federation
Moscow, Russia
Russia
community and organizations I represent. As Manoj Kotwani, President of the Indian
Business Alliance, President of Overseas Friends of BJP, and President of the Indian
National Cultural Centre SITA, I am committed to strengthening the deep-rooted
historical and cultural ties between India and Russia.
Russia and India share a centuries-old bond, with historical records documenting the
These Indian traders, predominantly Hindus from Marwar, Sindh, and Punjab,
contributed significantly to the trade and cultural heritage of Russia. During this period,
Indian religious and social traditions flourished, and Hindu temples were established.
This was further recognized by Emperor Peter the Great, who met with leaders of the
Hindu community and issued legal protections for their religious beliefs.
various sectors, including business, medicine, and culture. However, the restoration and
official recognition of Hindu religious practices and temples in Russia remain an
important concern. In light of the historical ties and the contributions of the Indian
community, I humbly request your esteemed office to consider the following:
Hindus to practice their religion freely and officially.
construction of Hindu places of worship to preserve Indian cultural heritage in
Russia.
frameworks to ensure the protection of Hindu religious practices and traditions.
connections but also strengthen the cultural and diplomatic ties between India and Russia,
enhancing mutual respect and cooperation.
Russia. I hope that under your guidance, these cultural and religious bonds will be further
reinforced.
further.
Manoj Kotwani
President, Indian Business Alliance
President, Overseas Friends of BJP, Russia
President, Indian National Cultural Centre SITA
Moscow, Russia
Indian National Cultural Center “SITA”
Russia, Moscow, Shelepikhinskoe shosse
This will be Putin’s first visit to India since the beginning of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia in 2022. India has always advocated “peace and diplomacy” for resolving conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Putin and PM Modi remain in regular contact, holding talks over phone-call once every couple of months, according to Russian Embassy in India. The two leaders also hold in-person meetings. This year, the two leaders met twice as PM Modi in July travelled to Moscow to participate in the 22nd Russia-India summit.
PM Modi’s official visit to Russia in July marked his first bilateral visit after resuming office for the third time. PM Modi was also conferred with Russia’s highest national award “The Order of St. Andrew the Apostle” for his contribution to fostering India-Russia ties.
From a warm hug to driving an electric car for ‘dost’ PM Modi, the chemistry between the leaders hogged the limelight. During his visit to Russia, PM Modi held a bilateral meeting and an informal meeting with Putin. The two leaders also visited the Rosatom Pavilion at the VDNKh Exhibition Centre in Moscow.
In October, PM Modi visited Russia’s Kazan for a two-day visit to attend the BRICS Summit. He thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin, the people of Russia and their government for their hospitality. PM Modi took to X to share glimpses of his visit to Russia.
Hinduism is practiced in Russia, primarily by followers of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and by Indian immigrants.
The Hindu community in Astrakhan lived in an isolated group around “the Indian Court” under the Russian Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich. The sacred life of the community was centered around their temple in the Indian section of the city.
In 2012, the official census reported 140,010 Hindus in Russia, which is 0.1% of the population. The majority of Indians living in Russia are Hindus. Other populations in Russia include Christians of Indian origin, Muslims, and Sikhs.
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has a relatively strong following in Russia.
There is an active Tantra Sangha operating in Russia. There is also the Hindu Council of Russia.
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