Leh: The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) attended the joint celebration of the United Nation’s International Day of Older Persons and Gandhi Jayanti organised by Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC) at its campus in Choglamsar.
Commending Bhikkhu Sanghasena, the founder of MIMC, for his selfless service to society, the LG highlighted that Bhikkhu Sanghasena is providing social security, which is one of the three essential things in a person’s life other than education and health, to homeless elderly and persons with physical and mental disabilities.
Calling the world a transit camp for humans, the LG stated that we should make efforts to take care of the world, our fellow humans and the environment. The programme, he said, is an effort to help our fellow humans, particularly the elderly persons.
The LG appreciated the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi for his visionary initiatives, especially during the Covid pandemic and for showcasing India’s might as a powerful nation during the recently concluded G20 Summit in Delhi.
The LG distributed the Mahatma Gandhi Lifetime Achievement awards to Yangchan; President of Mahila Mandal Leh, Smt Sarla Chhewang; Founder, Women Alliance of Ladakh, Sonam Dolma; Director, National Institute of Sowa Rigpa, Leh, Dr Padma Gurmet; ex-Councillor, LAHDC Leh, Tsering Motup; art conservator Noorjahan and President, PAGIR Leh, Tsewang Dorjey.
He also distributed Mahakaruna Award 2023 to Ven Fa Kuan and excellence awards to Shri Jigmat Wangdus Jyoti and Punchok Dorjay Vajra. The LG also distributed gifts to the elderly persons from Mahabodhi Maitri Geriatric Home.
Founder of MIMC, Bhikkhu Sanghasena, in his welcome speech, informed that MIMC was the first organisation in Ladakh to set up an elderly home, where doctors and nurses take care of elderly persons along with people with physical and mental disabilities. He also informed about various initiatives taken by MIMC in the fields of education, health and the promotion of yoga/meditation.
Deputy Chairman, LAHDC Leh, Tsering Angchuk; Executive Councillor, LAHDC Leh, Stanzin Chosphel; Commissioner Secretary, Mehboob Ali Khan; Special Advisor to the Prime Minister, Deepak Vohra; Vice-Chancellor, University of Ladakh, Prof SK Mehta; Vice-Chancellor, CIBS, Prof Rajesh Ranjan; heads of religious organisations, NGOs, officials from Indian Army; district officials and members of MIMC were present during the event.
