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The Head of Kalmykia Inspects Progress of Capital Repairs at Future Buddhist School

Batu Khasikov inspected the progress of repair work at the Kalmyk National Gymnasium named after A. Kichikov, which will soon house a Buddhist school. Together with Alexander Mishakov, acting Vice Premier of the regional government; Sergey Khasikov, Deputy Head of the Elista administration; and Erkya Dorjiev, General Director of the contracting organization, the Head of the Republic familiarized himself with the repair process of this important facility and listened to all suggestions and comments. Upon completion of the reconstruction, the building's appearance will undergo significant transformations reflecting the format of the educational institution.

Currently, dismantling works and rough finishing of the internal premises are being actively carried out. The facade is being prepared for exterior work. According to the Head of the region, it is necessary to ensure everything is done well so the building can serve for many decades.

"For us, and for the leadership of Kalmykia, improving infrastructure is especially important. We now have a unique opportunity to create a specialized facility. The Buddhist school is a truly unique project, and it is wonderful that it is located near the Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha. Accordingly, it requires special oversight because the facility must be of very high quality and authentic — reflecting the depth of Buddhist philosophy, as well as our history and culture," - said the Head of the region. He also thanked the Minister of Education of the Russian Federation, Sergey Kravtsov, for the idea of creating the Buddhist school during his visit to Kalmykia, as well as Shajin Lama for supporting the initiative and participating in its implementation.

As noted by Alexander Mishakov, Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Republic of Kalmykia, despite some problems with the building’s pavement and basement, the contracting organization must meet the deadline. "The task is to complete the work before the International Buddhist Forum, to surprise and delight our guests, as this facility should become a pride of the Republic and Elista," - said the Deputy Prime Minister.

Sergey Khasikov, Deputy Head of the Elista administration, shared that architect Badma Pyurveev was involved in the project. He and Shajin Lama Geshe Tenzin Chojdak developed and coordinated the stylistics of the building’s exterior appearance. "There is a clear vision of how it should look visually, and we are strictly following that path — light-colored plaster tones, bright accents, window boxes. The contractor is very helpful, offering ideas. I hope the result will truly be worthy. This will be a new landmark on the map of our city," - said Sergey Khasikov.

In turn, Erkya Dorjiev, General Director of the contracting organization, promised to perform all work with high quality and on time. "We will do everything at the highest level and within the deadline, and maybe even deliver it ahead of schedule," - Dorjiev said.

During his visit to the future Buddhist school, Batu Sergeevich also spoke to journalists about preparations for the III International Buddhist Forum initiated by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"The key venue for the International Buddhist Forum is the Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha. I want to address my fellow countrymen, our guests, and friends to inform them that the reconstruction has already begun, starting with the facade. Additionally, we have a project to improve the entire territory. Our task is to make our khurul shine in every way by the time of the forum," - commented the Head of the region.

He also announced that a Buddhist park will be established in the capital of the republic, uniting traditions and schools of Buddhism from around the world. Each country participating in the forum will present its cultural objects in the park — stupas, temples, or sculptures. The first stone of the park will be laid during the forum.