Leh: The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh, today hosted a special luncheon in honor of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama at Sindhu Ghat, Shey.
Welcoming His Holiness on behalf of the Council and the people of Ladakh, the Hon’ble Deputy Chairman, LAHDC Leh, Shri Tsering Angchuk, expressed profound gratitude for the rare blessing of His Holiness’s presence. He remarked that Ladakh is truly fortunate to be blessed time and again with His Holiness’s visits and guidance, which bring strength, inspiration, and joy to the people. He further prayed for the continued good health and long life of His Holiness and expressed hope for many more such visits in the years to come.
The program featured cultural presentations in honor of His Holiness, beginning with a soulful song of praise by Mr. Mipham Otsal and his group, followed by a skit performance by Mr. Morup Namgyal and his team. His Holiness was then felicitated with a traditional shawl and a token of gratitude by the Hon’ble Chief Executive Councillor, Hon’ble Executive Councillors, Leader of Opposition, and the Deputy Commissioner, Leh. This was followed by a traditional Shondol dance presented by twenty-one women artists.
An interaction session with His Holiness was also conducted, which was attended by the Councillors of LAHDC Leh led by the Chairman/CEC, Adv. Tashi Gyalson, along with officers of the UT Administration and District Administration, Leh.
Addressing the gathering, His Holiness the Dalai Lama spoke on the universal importance of compassion and kindness as the foundation of a meaningful life. He said that in a world increasingly troubled by conflict and division, it is vital for people to cultivate genuine compassion towards one another. He emphasized that compassion is not only a spiritual or religious value but also a practical necessity for peace and harmony in society. His Holiness urged the people of Ladakh to continue preserving their unique traditions of peace, tolerance, and mutual respect, and to set an example of harmony for the world.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Hon’ble Nominated Councillor Ven. Konchok Tsephel, who on behalf of LAHDC Leh and the people of Ladakh, conveyed heartfelt appreciation to His Holiness for gracing the occasion with his presence and blessings.
The event was attended by His Eminence the 105th Gaden Tripa, Jetsun Lobsang Dorje Pal Sangpo; His Eminence Thiksay Rinpoche; His Eminence Khilkhang Rinpochey;Hon’ble Deputy Chairman Tsering Angchuk; Hon’ble Executive Councillors of LAHDC Leh Tashi Namgyal Yakzee, Ghulam Mehdi and Stanzin Chosphel; Director General of Police Ladakh Dr. S.D. Singh Jamwal; Hon’ble Leader of Opposition/ Councillor Tsering Namgyal; Hon’ble Councillors of LAHDC Leh; Former Member of Parliament Thupstan Chhewang; Heads of religious organisations; Administrative Secretaries of the UT Administration; DC/CEO Leh Romil Singh Donk, IAS; SSP Leh Shruti Arora; Officers of the UT Administration and District Administration Leh; Former CEC Gyal P. Wangyal; Directors and HoDs of the UT Administration; artists; and other prominent dignitaries.
