India ASEAN Commemorative Summit

The Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) comprises of Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Thailand, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Viet Nam. India’s focus on a strengthened and multi-faceted relationship with ASEAN is an outcome of the significant changes in the world’s political and economic scenario since the early 1990s. India’s search for economic space resulted in the ‘Look East Policy’. The ‘Look East Policy’ has today matured into a dynamic and action oriented ‘Act East Policy’.

India is hosting the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit 2018 in New Delhi. The theme for the Commemorative Summit, ‘Shared Values, Common Destiny’, has been displayed in the series of the 11 stamps, which have been conceptualized to thread together our historical and civilizational links that date back to over two millennia. These shared linkages which find numerous examples in texts, folklore, festivals, architecture, literature, dance-forms, music, religion, culture, motifs, symbols and everyday life may seem as quotidian, they however, are subtle reminders of a deep and enduring bond built on trust, respect and tolerance for diversity. Among these linkages, is the Ramayana, the ancient Indian text, that has its representations and interpretations in variety of dance, ballet and theater art forms across almost all ASEAN member states, binding and connecting our common heritage.

Below is a brief description of the eleven individual stamps:

Brunei Darussalam: Menyambah, the Bruneian greeting usually offered to Royalty which is akin to the Indian Namaskar is depicted in the stamp. The mudras or hand gestures found in dance forms across Southeast Asia are a distinct and recognizable connect.

Cambodia: The scene portraying the attack of the monkey warriors on Ravana’s brother Kumbha karan, engraved on the walls of the Angkor Wat Temple complex, is depicted in the stamp.

Indonesia: The Indonesian version of the Ramayana was believed to be written during the Medang Kingdom (732-1006 AD) in Central Java. Also known as the Kakawin Ramayana, its depiction on stamps is considered to be of great artistic expression and is very well known.

Lao PDR: Phra Lak Phra lam, the title referring to the brothers Lord Rama and Laksmana, is the national epic of Lao PDR, that exhibits boasts of significant Buddhist influences. Notably popular in Phra Lak Phra lam is the depiction of Hanumana, representative of strength, agility, devotion, and intelligence.

Malaysia: A key milestone that represents the Indian-Malay heritage connect is the Torana Gate, a gift from the Government of India to the Government of Malaysia in 2015. The Torana, an elaborate gateway, is usually depicted in Buddhist Hindu, and Jain worship places. The Gate, with both Hindu and Buddhist influences, depicts the Jatakas (stories of the previous birth) of Gautama Buddha.

Myanmar: Yama Zatdaw, an adaptation of the Ramayana, is prevalent in Myanmar. Yama translates as Lord Rama and Zatdaw is the equivalent of the Ramayana, while Zatdaw refers to the play enactment or part of the Jataka tales. The storyline under Yama Zatdaw is true to its core with added Myanmar traditions, cultures, costumes, and customs noticeably producing a beautiful rendition of the epic.

Philippines: The stamp is from the famous and graceful dance form, Singkil, that is derived from the Darangen, an adaptation of the Ramayana. The lead dancer, a lady in the role of Princess Gandangon, graciously steps in and out of closing bamboo poles arranged in either a parallel, rectangular, or criss-cross fashion while manipulating either pair (fans), mosala (scarves), or even just their bare hands. It is a popular dance performed during celebrations and other festive entertainment.

Singapore: The Sri Mariamman Temple is Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple founded in 1827. The temple is symbolic of India’s relation with Singapore that transcends beyond just economic relations. The other image is of a gold earring that was found in South India and is currently housed at the Indian Heritage Centre, Singapore. It bears a lion or “singha” motif, tying back to its origins in Singapore. The lion is an important symbol in the narrative of Indian interactions with Southeast Asia and the island of Singapore (previously known as Singapura) derives its name from the word singha or singha.

Thailand: The stamp is a pictorial representation of Khon, a traditional dance-drama genre from Thailand that derives from the Ramakien, an adaptation of the Ramayana. The show features athletic dance moves, traditional singing, and all dancers in masks forcing the to elucidate their prowess through movement. The other image depicted is of the Thai Hanuman, the most popular and recognisable character in the country.

Viet Nam: The Kate Festival is the largest traditional festival of Viet Nam’s Cham branch people celebrated in Ninh Thuan province and recognized by Viet Nam as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. It is celebrated for the Cham to express their gratitude to their ancestral gods. The Cham Temple tower, depicted in the background, is from the Champa civilization of central Viet Nam and part of the My Son temple sanctuary, dating back to 4th century AD, dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. Government of India is helping restore portions of the My Son Complex.

India: Scene of Rama – Sita Swayamvar is depicted in Pattam Kathai, cloth-based scroll painting from Andhra Pradesh (Source – Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts).