Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, Sept 16: Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today threw open the three days 2nd International Festival of Buddhist Heritage of Ladakh at Sindhu Sanskriti Auditorium here.
The festival is being attended by delegates not only from within the country, but also from Japan, Australia, Cambodia, Myanmar, Germany, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Thailand etc. A huge delegation of 36 members from Malaysia, led by Datuk Dr. Victor Wee also joined the festival apart from eminent and renowned religious leaders from other faiths.
Addressing the gathering after opening the festival, Mr Azad said that Buddhism, a religion indigenous to Indian sub-continent, is admired world over for the universal values of peace, compassion and understanding.
Highlighting the message of Lord Buddha, he said: “the timeless and fundamental wisdom has transcended boundaries, nations, cultures and oceans and united diverse people as one throughout the world”.
Mr Azad congratulated Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, Leh for organising this International festival and making it a regular feature of the cultural activities of Ladakh.
Acknowledging the magnificent contributions of Nawang Rigzin Jora, Urban Development Minister and Chief Executive Councilor (CEC) LAHDC, Leh Rigzin Spalbar, in the overall development of Leh as well as such cultural activities, Mr Azad hoped that they would continue to work with same commitment and enthusiasm for the progress of Ladakh.
Praising the selflessness, warmth and rectitude of people of “moonland”, the Union Minister said that humanity and humility come together in perfect balance in this distant land.
Mr Azad acknowledged the outstanding contributions of legendary figure of Ladakh, namely Kushak Bakula Rimpoche and described him as an emissary of Buddhism, statesman and international diplomat of high stature.
He expressed the hope that this festival will be able to showcase the rich traditions and precious heritage of Ladakh, both nationally and internationally.
Late in the afternoon, Mr Azad inaugurated the new complex of National Institute of Research in Sowa Rigpa.
After the upgradation of the Centre as National Institute in 2009, infrastructure upgradation was taken up and today’s inauguration of the new complex was part of the same process. He informed that this would be followed by augmentation of scientific and technical manpower.
Responding to the demands raised by Mr Jora to formalise the educational system of Sowa Rigpa on modern lines, Mr Azad informed that Sowa Rigpa committee in Central Council of Indian Medicine is being constituted that will look into the issues of curriculum and education of Amchi system. He appreciated the need to have a separate college for imparting training on scientific lines.
Mr Azad also inaugurated projects and equipment worth Rs 17 crores in District Hospital, Leh.
Appreciating the vision and initiatives of Bikhu Sangha Sena, the Director and Founder of Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC) , Mr Azad said that he has contributed a lot specially for the underprivileged and needy people in different ways with special focus on the education of children from poor families of remote areas.
In his address, Mr Jora urged for promotion of intangible values such as truthfulness, broadmindedness and calmness inspite of talking much on tangible things. He said that religion is purely a personal affair and added that “we must follow the core values of the religion rather than indulging in ritual and ceremonial things”.
LAHDC Leh CEC, Rigzin Spalbar on behalf of the people of Ladakh extended heartiest welcome to Mr Azad for his visit to Ladakh and reiterated that Azad has always been a true friend as well as a well wisher of Ladakh while highlighting the his contribution towards Ladakh region that has tremendously helps the region to move on the progressive path.
While expressing his view, Skyabje Thuksay Rinpochey, who was the guest of honour appreciated the organizing committee and all stakeholders for making the festival successful for the second consecutive year.
Many delegates from various countries as well as different States of India also spoke on the inaugural function.
Earlier, Bikhu Sanga Sena in his welcome address highlighted the purpose of the Buddhist Heritage Festival with main focusing to make Ladakh an international Buddhist pilgrimage destination in Asia where the visiting tourists truly feel the essence of spirituality and get relieve from hectic life schedule.
Mr Azad released a souvenir book on the occasion.
To mark the occasion, a scintillating cultural program which included an enchanting melodious Buddhist chanting by renowned vocalist Aney Choyang Dolma from Nepal besides spectacular mask dance by the monks of Hemis monastery enthralled the jam packed audience.
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