India, China release stamps on Buddhism theme

Beijing, Jun 5 (PTI) India and China jointly released stamps Thursday to celebrate the central theme of Buddhism that reflects centuries-old interaction between the two countries and civilisations. The stamps were released at a ceremony attended by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi, Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon, India's Ambassador to China Nirupama Rao and postal administrations officials of the two countries. One stamp depicts the White Horse Temple of Luoyang city where ancient Indian monks brought Buddhism to China. The other stamp depicts the famous Mahabodhi temple of Bodh Gaya, where Buddha attained englightenment. Both the stamps were jointly designed by artistes and philatelic administrations of the countries.