India Turkmenistan Joint Issue

Friendship and Cultural Bonds

Historical Ties

India and Turkmenistan share centuries-old connections rooted in culture, spirituality, and trade. Archaeological discoveries in South Turkmenistan, including sites near Ashgabat, have revealed links with the Indus Valley Civilization. Evidence of Soma drink preparation at Gonur Depe (Mary province), as mentioned in the Rig Veda, strengthens the theory of early civilizational exchanges.

The ruins of Merv in Mary province yielded Buddhist manuscripts, coins, and statues, highlighting continuity of cultural and trade linkages. In Delhi, the Turkmen Gate stands as a monument to the revered Turkmen saint, Sha ms-ul-Arifeen Shah Turkmen Bayabani, who lived in Delhi during the 13th century. These enduring ties reflect the natural friendship between the peoples of India and Turkmenistan.

Modern Bilateral Relations

In contemporary times, India and Turkmenistan have nurtured strong diplomatic relations.

• 2010: H.E. President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan visited India.
• 2015: Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, visited Turkmenistan.

These high-level visits paved the way for important MoUs and agreements in Science & Technology, Medicine, and Tourism, among others, thus strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges

Indian culture enjoys immense popularity in Turkmenistan. Indian movies, TV serials, and especially Hindi songs are cherished by Turkmen people. Regular Indian Film Festivals and cultural programs are organized across cities. In 2017, “India Cultural Week” was celebrated in Ashgabat to mark 25 years of diplomatic relations, featuring exhibitions, dance performances, films, and food festivals.

Yoga and Traditional Medicine Centre

In July 2015, during PM Modi’s visit, Central Asia’s first Yoga and Traditional Medicine Centre was inaugurated in Ashgabat. An Indian Yoga teacher and an Ayurveda expert were deputed to conduct classes, consultations, and workshops. They also contribute to teaching at the State Medical University of Turkmenistan.

Educational Cooperation

India actively supports Turkmenistan through training and education:

• Under the ITEC programme (since 1994), over 400 Turkmen nationals have been trained in diverse fields.
• ICCR scholarships enable Turkmen students to pursue graduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies in Indian universities. Over 300 Turkmen students are currently studying in India.
• In 2010, a Hindi Chair was established at the Azadi Institute of World Languages, Ashgabat, where Hindi is taught to around 60 students.

Joint Commemorative Stamp on Cultural Heritage: Celebration of Shared Heritage

India and Turkmenistan jointly celebrate their friendship through a Commemorative Postage Stamp featuring their traditional performing arts – Sankirtana (India) and Kushtdepdi (Turkmenistan). Both art forms are inscribed in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Sankirtana – A Vaishnava Tradition of Manipur

Sankirtana is a devotional art form of the Vaishnava people of Manipur. It encompasses music, dance, and storytelling performed on major religious occasions and life-cycle events. The performers narrate the divine stories of Lord Krishna, blending song, dance, and ritual. Sankirtana also embodies harmony with nature, with rituals that acknowledge and celebrate the natural world.

Kushtdepdi – A Symbol of Good Wishes and Joy

Kushtdepdi is a vibrant Turkmen performing art that combines singing and dancing. It involves poetic improvisations, cheerful songs, and graceful hand gestures, accompanied by rhythmic footsteps. Deeply rooted in community celebrations, Kushtdepdi symbolizes good wishes, joy, and unity, making it an inseparable part of Turkmen ceremonies and national festivities.

Conclusion

The joint stamp issue on Sankirtana and Kushtdepdi beautifully symbolizes the enduring friendship and shared cultural heritage between India and Turkmenistan. It highlights not only the historical and civilizational ties but also the contemporary bonds of education, culture, and people-to-people connections that continue to enrich relations between the two nations.