During the valedictory ceremony of a two-day international conference titled “Kalinga and Southeast Asia – Civilizational Connections” held in Bhubaneswar, Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati emphasized the relevance of historical insights in addressing contemporary global issues. He highlighted that the ancient maritime traditions of Kalinga offer valuable lessons for dealing with environmental and developmental challenges faced by Southeast Asia today.
Kambhampati underscored the rich history of Kalinga’s maritime trade and its cultural exchanges with Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. He stated that these historical ties are not only a source of pride but also serve as a foundation for modern regional cooperation. He pointed out that the architectural influences of Kalinga can be traced in notable temples like Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Borobudur in Indonesia.
The governor mentioned that the influence of Indian epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, alongside festivals such as Indonesia’s Nyepi and Cambodia’s Pchum Ben, reflect deep cultural bonds that persist to this day. He noted that Kalinga has maintained robust maritime and cultural connections with Southeast Asia for over 2,000 years, and that the impact of these exchanges is still visible in present-day architecture, inscriptions, traditions, and even place names.
Kambhampati stressed that Kalinga’s ancient maritime network played a pivotal role in the dissemination of Indian culture and religion throughout the region. By celebrating these connections, the governor highlighted the importance of learning from the past to navigate current challenges, advocating a renewed focus on historical insights to foster sustainable development and cooperation among nations in Southeast Asia.
In closing, he encouraged participants to embrace the lessons of history from Kalinga not just as a point of cultural pride, but as a crucial resource for tackling pressing modern issues in a rapidly changing world. The conference aimed to rekindle interest in these historical connections and promote collaborative efforts for a better future.
Source link
