Leh: Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta honoured Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena with Ladakh’s highest civilian honour, the dPal rNgam Award 2025, during the grand celebrations of the 9th dPal rNgam Dus-sTon Festival at NDS Stadium, Leh.
Organised by the 6th LAHDC Leh, this year’s festival was themed Compassion in honour of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday, with July being declared as the Month of Compassion.
The event attracted thousands of attendees, including spiritual leaders, dignitaries, artists, and locals from across Ladakh.
In his acceptance speech, Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, founder of the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, offered heartfelt prayers to the Three Jewels and paid tribute to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, whom he described as “the eternal spiritual light of Ladakh and the world.”
He dedicated the award to the people of Ladakh and to the Mahabodhi family, reflecting on the Union Territory’s progress and the importance of preserving Ladakh’s spiritual and cultural fabric.
LG Kavinder Gupta, joined by Bindu Gupta, lauded the contributions of Ladakh’s spiritual figures and cultural champions, affirming the administration’s dedication to safeguarding Ladakh’s unique identity.
The festival also honoured distinguished personalities, including Lobzang Tsewang, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in translating the teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and author Helena Norberg-Hodge, awarded the Special Appreciation Award, received on her behalf by Ishey Tundup of LEDeG.
CEC Adv. Tashi Gyalson, in his address, spoke about LAHDC Leh’s recent achievements and initiatives. He urged the youth to dedicate themselves to preserving Ladakh’s cultural legacy and embrace compassion as a guiding principle for development.
Other awardees recognized for excellence in public service, tourism, and hospitality included Moses Kunzang, Thupstan Shanfan, Ishey Yangzom, Ghulam Mustafa, Ghulam Mohiuddin Abdu, and Ghulam Musa.
The evening concluded with a vibrant cultural showcase and a performance by Indian Idol fame Rito Riba, leaving audiences with a strong sense of pride, unity, and inspiration.
