Indonesia released a special commemorative Ramayana stamp on Tuesday to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties with India. The stamp, featuring a scene from the Ramayana epic in which Jatayu valiantly fought to save Sita, has been designed by renowned Indonesian sculptor Bapak Nyoman Nuart, recipient of Padma Shri.

“As agreed during Prime Minister’s visit in May 2018, the Department of Posts of the Government of Indonesia released a special commemorative stamp on the theme of Ramayana to mark the event,” said a statement issued by the Indian Embassy in Jakarta.

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A specially signed version of the Ramayana stamp will be on display at the Philately Museum in Jakarta.

The stamp was unveiled at an event organised in Jakarta on Tuesday to flag off the 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Ambassador Pradeep Kumar Rawat and Indonesia Deputy Foreign Minister Abdurrahman Mohammad Fachir jointly presided over the event.

Limited edition covers of the commemorative stamp were distributed by the Department of Posts during the inaugural event. 

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Rawat underscored the significant strides that both nations had made in their bilateral relations in the last 70 years “with a high point being the elevation of the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in May 2018 during the milestone visit of Prime Minister Modi”, said the statement.

In his keynote address, Vice Minister Fachir recalled the ancient cultural and civilizational bonds between India and Indonesia and called for promoting greater people-to-people exchanges in the 70th anniversary year.

The event also showcased a special photo exhibit chronicling some of the landmark moments in the diplomatic engagements that have characterised India-Indonesia bilateral ties from 1949-2019.

“It showcased key milestones in the development of bilateral relations beginning from President Soekarno’s participation as chief guest at India’s first Republic Day. Some of the memorable moments during the visit of PM Narendra Modi to Indonesia were an important highlight of the photo exhibition,” the Indian Embassy statement said.

The photo exhibit will be put on display at the National Museum at Jakarta from 25th April to 5th May 2019 for public viewing.

A ‘Chhau group’ specially flown from India performed a cultural dance and folk songs to mark the occasion.

During his visit to Indonesia in May 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Joko Widodo had jointly unveiled the logo for the 70th anniversary at the National Museum in Jakarta. A series of activities will be held in various parts of Indonesia to mark the 70th anniversary celebrations.