Exhibition of photos of Cambodian temple

New Delhi  July 12, 2013
An exhibition of photograph of the famous Preah Vihear temple in Cambodia, reflecting its India-inspired architectural beuaty was, inaugurated here today by External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid

Titled "Kailash in the East", the photo exhibition of BJP Rajya Sabha MP Tarun Vijay, traces India's cultural links with civilisations of the Southeast Asian country.

"I think it's a remarkable history of contribution to soft diplomacy, carrying India's message in the best possible way and best possible expression," Khurshid said, appreciating the photographs.

The Preach Vihear temple is a world heritage structure located at the top of a cliff in the the Dangrek mountains in the Preah Vihear province in Cambodia.

"It's important for India to move and continue to move in order to remain upfront to be where leaders of the world are and this is a very important part of our perception of how we communicate with the world and how we continue with language and dialogue," Khurshid said.

The exhibition has been put up at the Indian Council of Cultural Relations office near ITO in central Delhi.

Vijay said the exhibition is the first such attempt to unravel the mystic beauty and the 1100-year-old India-inspired architecture that made UNESCO to declare it a World Heritage site.

Vijay said his inspiration was Shiva and the message of love and compassion that India has always given to the universe.

"It is a miracle, magic in architecture. Its mesmerising architecture inspired me," he added.