MANALI: The controversy surrounding Bhagawad Gita in Russia may have spawned religious rift between India and its 'pally' neighbour but the envoy of cordial relations between the two countries, Nicholas Roerich, who is also known for his 'Banner of Peace' and 'Roerich Pact', was extremely influenced by the text and cremated according to Hindu rites in Kullu in 1947.