Leh, January 1, 2026: Marking the auspicious beginning of New Year 2026, the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, visited the historic Hemis Monastery and the Maitri Geriatric Home at the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC), Choglamsar, conveying a strong message of peace, compassion and inclusive development.
At the Hemis Monastery, founded in 1630, the Lieutenant Governor was warmly received by Head Abbot/Chakzot Ven. Nawang Jigmet and Secretary Dr. Ishey Namgyal. He visited the shrine rooms and offered prayers, seeking blessings for peace, prosperity and overall development of Ladakh and its people. Interacting with monks and devotees, he highlighted Ladakh’s rich spiritual heritage and its role in promoting harmony and universal human values.
During the visit, the Lt Governor announced that the UT Administration is making sincere efforts to bring the Sacred Buddha Relics to Ladakh for public darshan, enabling devotees to draw spiritual inspiration and further strengthening Ladakh’s identity as a global centre of Buddhism and peace. He said the initiative would also boost cultural tourism and inter-faith understanding.
Reaffirming the government’s resolve, Shri Kavinder Gupta said the UT Administration is fully committed to the preservation and holistic development of ancient monasteries, including conservation of heritage, promotion of traditional art and protection of spiritual institutions for future generations.
Later, the Lieutenant Governor visited the Maitri Geriatric Home, which provides shelter and care to around 40 elderly persons from across Ladakh. He spent time with the residents, celebrated the New Year with them, and distributed blankets and fruits, appreciating the compassionate services rendered by MIMC.
Addressing the gathering, the Lt Governor said senior citizens are the backbone of society, carrying wisdom, values and experiences that guide younger generations. He reiterated the UT Government’s commitment towards welfare, healthcare, dignity and social security of the elderly, and urged the youth to spend time with senior citizens to build a caring and inclusive society.
MIMC Founder Ven. Sanghasena briefed the Lt Governor about the proposal to jointly operate a 50-capacity old age home at Saboo, funded by the Ministry of Social Justice, and sought support for basic facilities. Administrative Secretary Shashanka Ala informed about the progress of the project and proposed joint operation for better effectiveness.
Senior officials from the Social Welfare Department and Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre were present during the visit.
The New Year visit underscored the UT Administration’s twin focus on spiritual heritage and social welfare, setting a tone of compassion, harmony and people-centric governance for 2026.
