During External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s recent visit to Laos, a special commemorative postage stamp set featuring Lord Ram from Ayodhya was jointly released by India and Laos. This stamp set is notable for being the first in the world to depict Shri Ram Lalla of Ayodhya.
Jaishankar, who was in Laos for ASEAN meetings, shared on X that he, along with Lao PDR’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, unveiled this unique stamp set. The stamps honor the cultural connections between the Ramayana and Buddhism that bind the two nations.
The set includes two stamps: one depicting Lord Buddha from Luang Prabang, Laos’ ancient capital, and the other showing Lord Ram from Ayodhya. Jaishankar highlighted the event on X, expressing gratitude for the warm hospitality and noting the exchange of MoUs on various projects and digital cooperation.
The theme of the stamp set, “Celebrating Shared Cultural Heritage of Lao PDR and India,” reflects the deep cultural ties between the two countries. Buddhism has long connected India and Laos, while the Ramayana, known as the Ramakien in Laos, is cherished and performed during significant occasions. Jaishankar’s visit also included participation in the ASEAN-India Post Ministerial Conference, the EAS Foreign Ministers Meeting, and the ASEAN Regional Forum, hosted in Vientiane as Laos chairs ASEAN for 2024.
