- India and Thailand re-signed the MoU for setting up the ICCR Sanskrit Chair at Silpakorn University to strengthen linguistic and cultural ties, emphasizing Sanskrit and Hindi studies.
- The agreement focuses on preserving shared linguistic heritage and promoting the study of Sanskrit and Hindi, as well as exploring collaborations in archaeology.
- Prime Minister Modi praised the role of Sanskrit in consolidating cultural bonds between India and Thailand, citing the contributions of Thai scholars in promoting Sanskrit studies in Thailand.
In a noteworthy move in the Indo-Thai bilateral relationship, India's Ambassador to Thailand and Bangkok-based Silpakorn University President re-signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the setting up of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Sanskrit Chair at the University.
The re-signing highlights the age-old collaboration between ICCR and Silpakorn University in conserving common linguistic heritage. They also deliberated on initiatives to popularize the Hindi language among Thai students as well as to discover exchanges of expertise in archaeology.
"During his address, the Ambassador mentioned the role played by Silpakorn University towards strengthening deep-seated linguistic and cultural relations between India and Thailand, particularly through its Sanskrit Study Centre. Discussing other avenues of cooperation, such as propounding the study of the Hindi language among Thai students and the exchange of knowledge in the field of archaeology, were also under discussion", the Embassy of India in Bangkok uploaded on X.
Sanskrit has exerted a deep impact on the philosophy, religion, languages, and literature of most Southeast Asian nations, especially Thailand. Sanskrit has been taught in Thailand for more than 100 years. In order to further develop the study and research of Sanskrit, Silpakorn University endorsed the proposal to set up the Sanskrit Studies Centre in 1996.
The ICCR Chair of Sanskrit was set up in Silpakorn University under the MoU between Silpakorn University and ICCR signed in June 2013. The MoU was extended in April 2023 and is effective up to December 2024.
Besides the Sanskrit Chair, ICCR and Thammasat University agreed to sign an MoU in 2013 for the setup of the ICCR Hindi Chair at Pridi Banomyong International College (PBIC), Thammasat University (effective up to April 2025) and an MoU for the setup of a Chair of Indian Studies at Chiang Mai University in 2018.
During the 80th episode of the monthly radio show Mann ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to the instruction of Sanskrit in Thailand and other nations. He underlined the significant role that Sanskrit has played in consolidating cultural bonds between India and Thailand. He also referred to two Thai Sanskrit scholars, Dr. Chirapat Prapandvidya and Dr. Kusuma Raksamani, who have been instrumental in spreading Sanskrit in Thailand.
India's bilateral relations with Thailand are historically based, with strong social and cultural contacts and widespread people-to-people contacts. Hinduism has left its footprints on Thai architecture, art, sculpture, dance, drama, and literature. Thai language also has Pali and Sanskrit elements.
