Excelsior Correspondent
-Excelsior/Morup Stanzin
LEH, June 26: ‘Mahakaruna Diwas’, yearlong celebration of late Kushok Bakula Rinpoche’s birth centenary, commenced here with religious fervour and gaiety.
Puducherry Lt Governor Dr Kiran Bedi formally inaugurated the Mahakaruna Diwas in presence of a galaxy of dignitaries and eminent personalities from different parts of the world. The celebration programme is being organized by Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC), in collaboration with Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) and organizing committee of the birth centenary celebration of 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche,
A book titled ‘A monk postpones Nirvana’ about Bhikku Sanghasena’s journey of compassion in action, authored by Dr Vandana Shukla, a senior journalist of the Tribune, was released by Dr Kiran Bedi on the occasion.
In her address, Dr Kiran Bedi urged all Ladakhi people to help Sanghasena’s missionary and amazing work in the otherwise geographically backward area in Ladakh. Expressing grave concern over the skyrocketing airfare for the people of Ladakh, she asked Government of India to provide subsidized and reasonable airfare for Ladakhis.
Speaking on the occasion, MIMC founder-president Bhikkhu Sanghasena said the programme is aimed at promoting harmony and friendship in today’s world where so much of violence and aggressions are seen.
Organizers conferred Dr Kiran Beti with ‘Mahakaru Award 2017’ for the reform programmes she had introduced in Tihar jail through Vipassana meditation which gained worldwide acclaim and won her the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1994. Ms Helga and Mr Gerhard from Germany were awarded Mahakaru Award for their philanthropic support to various humanitarian activities and spiritual services at Mahabodhi. Skaybje Thuksras Rinpochey was honored with Mahakaru Award in appreciation of his contribution in the field of education and animal welfare in Leh Ladakh. Ratna Nidhi Charitable Hospital Mumbai was awarded in recognition of its contribution for free distribution of orthopaedic aids like prosthetic limbs, callipers, wheelchairs, and hearing aids during the Mahakaruna Diwas.
Buddhist Sangha members from Thailand, who organised historic path yatra in the Himalayas for world peace, were also honoured on the occasion. Personalities from Ladakh honored with Mahakaruna awards, included Dr Tsering Norbu (Physician), Dr Tsering Norbu (Surgeon), Dr ST Phuntsog, Tsering Wangdus Lonpo, Tashi Dawa, and Dorjay Angchuk
Member of Parliament Dr Udit Raj and Commissioner of Income Tax Mumbai, Dr Subachan Ram, while speaking on the occasion, justified Ladakh’s demand for UT and demanded that Bhikku Sanghasena must be conferred with Padma Bhashan for his noble contribution to the humanity.
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