Leh, May 9: A conference on the theme “Past, Present and Future of Buddhism in Ladakh” was organised at the Dharma Centre in Leh on Friday as part of the ongoing 15-day Sacred Exposition of the Holy Relics of Gautama Buddha in Ladakh.
The conference was jointly organised by the Administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh and the Ladakh Gonpa Association under the chairmanship of His Eminence Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche. The event witnessed participation from monks, scholars, students, officials and members of the public.
The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Chief Secretary of UT Ladakh Ashish Kundra, along with His Eminence Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche and several eminent Rinpoches from across Ladakh.
In his welcome address, Ladakh Gonpa Association President Dorjey Stanzin highlighted the spiritual significance of the sacred Buddha relics and appreciated the support extended by the UT Administration in organising the exposition. He said the conference aimed to deliberate on the historical roots, present status and future prospects of Buddhism in Ladakh.
Addressing the gathering, His Eminence Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche described the arrival of the sacred relics as a blessing for the people of Ladakh. He stressed that Buddhism has played a vital role in shaping Ladakh’s spiritual and cultural identity and underlined the need to preserve Buddhist teachings, heritage and values for future generations. He also urged the younger generation to remain connected with their culture, traditions and history.
During the event, a book titled Gon Sum La Stodpa Rangshar Melong authored by Khenchen Tsering Rigzin was formally released.
Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra, in his address, congratulated the people of Ladakh for their overwhelming participation in the sacred exposition. He noted that thousands of devotees continue to visit the relics daily and described the devotion towards Lord Buddha as remarkable. He said Buddhism’s message of peace and compassion continues to inspire people globally and highlighted Ladakh as a symbol of communal harmony and peaceful coexistence.
The vote of thanks during the inaugural session was delivered by Director Tourism Tsering Paldan.
The technical session featured lectures and presentations by eminent scholars and speakers on Buddhism’s historical contribution to Ladakh, its role in promoting social harmony, contemporary challenges and its relevance in building a peaceful society. The speakers included Khenchen Tsewang Rigzin, Venerable Thupstan Paldan, research scholar Jigmet Chorol, Dr Tsering Dolkar and writer Lundup Gyalson.
The conference concluded with closing remarks by His Eminence Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche.
Among others present on the occasion were Secretary School Education Bhanu Prabha, Secretary Tourism and Culture Sanjeet Rodrigues, besides scholars, officials and other eminent personalities.
