PHNOM PENH: On 12 August 2022, The Embassy of India in Cambodia launched a video series depicting major Cambodian temples with significant Indian influences at the Embassy premises. The launch event was graced by H.E. Hab Touch, Secretary of State, Ministry of Culture, and other officials and 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 08-16 August 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 event commenced with the opening remarks by Dr. Devyani Khobragade, Ambassador of India, where she 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 critical 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. It remained actively engaged in the 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 Phrom Temple, etc., as well as the other unexplored temples in the jungles of Cambodia. These temples have strong Indian connections with Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesh, etc., depicted prominently in them.
Ambassador appreciated the presenter, Mr. Paulo Bonini’s work, who is a British Explorer and the creator of the 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 would help the people of India and Cambodia understand and explore our shared cultural heritage and hoped that more Indians would visit the majestic temples of Cambodia as a result of this series.
The video series will be available on the YouTube Channel of the Embassy of India in Phnom Penh and on all social media channels.
Photo by: India in Cambodia (Embassy of India, Phnom Penh)
