Singapore - The Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) in Singapore is hosting a rare exhibition called the Nalanda Trail, which is about how Buddhism spread from its birthplace in India, to China and Southeast Asia.
Opening the exhibition on November 1, Singapore‘s Foreign Minister George Yeo told Channel News Asia that Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will unveil a star piece at the exhibition. This will be done during a reception at ACM for leaders from the East Asian Summit on November 21.
The Nalanda Trail runs till March 23 next year.
Mr Yeo pointed out that the relics are not allowed to be brought out of India, but special permission has been given to the ACM to loan the items from the National Museum in New Delhi.
One of the most important exhibits on display is the bone relics of Buddha.
The word "Nalanda" in Sanksrit means "giver of knowledge", and the exhibition aims do to just that by focusing on the role played by the ancient Indian university of Nalanda, which was considered an architectural masterpiece.
The Indian government has decided to re-establish the university in Bihar. This idea was mooted by former Indian President Abdul Kalam during his state visit to Singapore last year.
Mr Yeo has been appointed a member of the Nalanda Mentor Group along with experts from other countries.
Indian Premier Manmohan Singh has offered the Nalanda Trail to leaders attending the upcoming East Asia Summit in Singapore as a project to promote international understanding and cooperation.
Several leaders are expected to visit the exhibition when they arrive in Singapore for the summit in three weeks‘ time.
Source: www.channelnewsasia.com (2 November 2007)
