Indian businessman aims to erect Vishnu statues across Cambodia.

Thai soldiers knock down the Vishnu statue erected by Cambodian soldiers in An Ses crossing in Preah Vihear province. Royal Thai Army

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Synopsis: Kirirom Institute of Technology Chairman Kiran Kumar Reddy Churukanti plans to build Vishnu statues across Cambodia as a cultural initiative following the destruction of such a figure near the border with Thailand.

An Indian businessman is moving to establish the Cambodia-India Vishnu Statue Organisation to oversee the construction of Vishnu statues across Cambodia, following the destruction of a such a statue near the Cambodia-Thailand border late last year.

Kirirom Institute of Technology Chairman Kiran Kumar Reddy Churukanti is behind the initiative that came in response to the demolition of a Vishnu statue in Preah Vihear’s An Ses area. Thai forces reportedly destroyed the statue with an excavator in December, triggering outrage in Cambodia and India and concern over Thailand’s wanton destruction of cultural heritage amid its territorial conflict with Cambodia.

Speaking to Khmer Times, Kiran said the project is driven by his personal connection to Cambodia and the deep cultural links between the two nations.

“Because I have been living in Cambodia for the past almost nine to ten years. And when I see there is a lot of connectivity in terms of culture between India and Cambodia. So, when I see the statue being demolished, I don’t feel good. And likewise, many Indians also don’t find it good,” he said.

Following consultation with Cambodian authorities, the first Vishnu statue will be built in Kandal province.

“So, we took up the task, and we approached the government, and they advised us to start the first statue in Kandal province. So, first we will be doing it in Kandal province, and later we’ll expand to another province,” he said.

Kiran said the provincial governor has pledged full support for the project, including the creation of an ad hoc committee to assist implementation.

“And in the first point, we met with the governor. And he has given his full support by establishing a subcommittee, an ad hoc committee. And some of the Indians who are living here and also some people who are also helping for this, we all joined together to form this committee,” he said.

He added that proposal for the Cambodia-India Vishnu Statue Organisation has been submitted for government approval.

Kiran said transparency and efficiency will be central principles of the initiative, which will rely on fundraising support from Indian and Cambodian communities.

“The main important thing is to maintain the transparency and efficiency for doing this project, doing this task,” he said. “And we would like to get the support and the help needed from the Indian people in India and other countries and also from the Cambodian people to fulfil this joint task.”

While the number of statues to be built has not been determined, he said expansion will depend on fundraising outcomes and construction costs.

“We do not specify a particular figure because it entirely depends on the type of construction, the costs involved, and the amount of funds we will raise through fundraising.” Initially we’ll start with Kandal province, then later we’ll expand to Siem Reap. And by the time if the borders are quiet and everything is settled, then we would like to expand it to the borders,” he said.

Kiran added that the project is a collective cultural mission rather than a personal initiative.

“This is not for me; this is not for us, but this is for everyone—all the Cambodians and Indians all together,” he said.

-Khmer Times-