Pays Heartfelt Tribute to HH Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche’s
Lamayuru: The five-day Drikung Snake Year Teaching 2025 concluded with a grand closing ceremony held at Lamayuru, marking a spiritually enriching event for the people of Ladakh.
The ceremony witnessed the presence of over 20,000 people from across the region.
Chairman, CEC of LAHDC Leh, Advocate Tashi Gyalson, attended the occasion and was warmly felicitated by His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche, the 37th throne holder of the Drikung Kagyu Lineage.
The felicitation acknowledged LAHDC Leh’s generous contribution of approximately ₹4 crore for the construction of the Lamayuru Yundung Tharpaling Photang—a landmark spiritual and cultural center similar to Zerthang, another successful project under LAHDC, Leh.
The auspicious event was further enriched by the esteemed presence of His Eminence Bakula Rangdol Nyima Rinpoche, Abbot of Lamayuru Monastery, and His Eminence Khanchen Konchok Rangdol Rinpoche, the first Ladakhi Khanchen in the Drikung lineage.
The gathering was also graced by other Venerable Rinpoches, esteemed Khenpos and Khenmos, the newly enthroned Khenpo, Drubpon, and a host of venerable monks and nuns.
Also in attendance were several esteemed dignitaries, including Dr. Morup Dorjey, Councillor of Lamayuru Constituency; Ven. Konchok Tsephel and Phuntsog Nurboo, nominated Councillors of LAHDC Leh; Padma Dorjey Councillor LAHDC Kargil, Stakchey Khangral Constituency;
Regzin Gurmath, Nominated Councillor LAHDC Kargil; Phuntsog Stanzin, BJP State President, Ladakh; Smt. Rinchen Dolkar, President of the BJP Women’s Wing, Ladakh; Kunzes Dolma, Vice President of the LBA, Leh; Tsering Nurboo, President of the Sham region unit of the LBA; district officials; Goba members; and representatives of the Chamtse Society.
In his address, CEC expressed deep gratitude to His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche, not only for conducting the teachings but also for his continued role as the Green Ambassador of UT Ladakh.
He commended His Holiness for promoting environmental conservation and sustainable living, especially through initiatives like the Go Green, Go Organic mission.
CEC Tashi Gyalson highlighted key achievements under this mission, including over 1.2 lakh plantations across Ladakh, with major initiatives in Takmachik, Nyoma, Koyul, Shayok, and Changthang.
He emphasized the economic potential of apple and apricot plantations as part of Ladakh’s green economy.
Addressing Ladakh’s rich heritage, the CEC underlined the importance of preserving monasteries as living heritage sites.
He proudly shared that LAHDC has allocated over ₹130 crore towards the development and renovation of monastic infrastructure, following a positive review of ASI guidelines that now recognize monasteries as active cultural centers.
Speaking about the newly developed Yundung Tharpaling Photang, the CEC envisioned it as a sacred space for both ceremonies and individual spiritual practice, including meditation and study.
He expressed his joy at seeing this vision materialize and extended his sincere thanks to Lamayuru Constituency Councillor Dr. Morup Dorjey and the contractors for their efforts in creating such a valuable asset for the Sham region.
Concluding the ceremony, CEC extended his heartfelt wishes for the long life of His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting His Holiness in future initiatives.
In the presence of senior spiritual leaders, the CEC also felicitated local Goba members and community contributors for their dedication to the successful organization of the event.
