Leh,August 24, (Scoop News)-The 3rd International Festival of Buddhist Heritage of Ladakh 2014 inaugurated by Minister for Tribal Affairs, GoI Jual Oram at Arya Nagarjuna Auditorium, Central Institute of Buddhist Studies, Choglamsar, Leh today. The Festival was organised by Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre in collaboration with the Nava Nalanda Mahavihara Bihar; the International Buddhist Confederation New Delhi; J & K Tourism; Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council and Hemis Monastery. wa
The Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, GoI Kiran Rijiju, Skyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche, H.E. Samdong Rinpoche, H.E. Chosje Togdan Rinpoche, Skyabje Drukpa Thukrtsey Rinpoche, Ambassador of Thailand to the Republic of India, Royal Thai Embassy New Delhi Chalit Manityakul, Chief Executive Councilor LAHDC Leh Rigzin Spalbar, Member Parliament from Ladakh Thupstan Tsewang, Director Nava Nalanda Mahavihara Bihar & Vice-Chairman International Festival of Buddhist Heritage of Ladakh Dr. Ravindra Panth, Deputy Commissioner Leh Simrandeep Singh, SSP Leh Dr. Sunil Gupta and other dignitaries from various parts of the states and world were present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering Jual Oram Expressed gratitude for the invite him in the festival as Chief Guest and said that Buddhism, a religious indigenous to Indian subcontinent, is admire world over for the universal values of peace, compassion and understanding. He congratulated Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, Leh for organizing this International festival and making it a regular feature of the cultural activities of Ladakh.
Union Minister of state for Home Affairs Kiran Rijiue While addressing on the occasion appreciated the initiatives of Bikhu Sangha Sena, the Founder of Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC) , Mr Kiran said that he has contributed a lot specially for the underprivileged and needy people in different ways with special focus on the education and Health of children from poor families of remote areas. He also assured that the problems and issues of people of Ladakh will be redressed soon. He said that the Para military forces are also facing a lot of problems as they performing their duties at the borders in a harsh condition.
Expressing happiness for conducting of International Festival of Buddhist Heritage of Ladakh for the third time, Chief Executive Councilor LAHDC Leh Rigzin Spalbar said that as an integral part of this festival since its inception, Hill Council will render its support in future too.
While taking the opportunity MP Thupstan Tsewang impressed on the fulfillment of the long standing demand of Ladakhis for inclusion of Bhoti language in the 8th schedule of the Indian Constitution as the language forms the real identity of a region and its people.
His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chesang Rinpochey, H.E Skyabji Drukpa Thuksay Rinpochey, Ambassdor,Royal Thai Embassy New Delhi H.E MR. Chalit Manityakul and Director Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, Bihar Dr. Ravindra Panth also spoke on the occasion.
Earlier, welcoming the guests Ven. Sanghasena, Chairman Organizing Committee, International Festival of Buddhist Heritage of Ladakh said that the main objective is to promote an understanding and appreciation of both the diverse ethnic culture of Ladakh with its various tribal communities that live in relative peace and harmony alongside one another, and its ancient and vibrant Buddhist heritage, with a focus on its rich artistic legacy and the profound social philosophy. He further said that the festival strives to foster a cohesive cultural relationship and broader understanding between Buddhist countries, by providing a congenial stage for a wide spectrum of interaction and co-operation, and by promoting spiritual tourism as it is a core component of its social structure.
Recognizing the meritorious work in their respective fields IFBHL from this year have taken the initiative of honoring talents on the occasion and this year, Scholar Tashi Rabgyas, Live to Rescue, Zangpo Serthi and Ali Mohammed of Ladakh were among the seven recipients of Certificates of Recognition.
The Tara Award was awarded to Ven. Sanghasena, Chairman Organizing Committee, International Festival of Buddhist Heritage of Ladakh for dedicating his life for the meritorious work he has been doing for the benefit of others.
Souvenir Magazine, Souvenir Plaque and Two books Tribal Welfare and Development and Narendra Modi the man India needs by Dr. Ranjan Trivedi, were also released during the function.
With cultural programme by international and local artists at the end of the inaugural function concluded on a colourful note.