Minister, LG Ladakh unveil statue of 19th Kushok Bakula
Avtar Bhat
JAMMU, May 19: Union Minister of Minority and Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, today said that India after launching Operation Sindoor showed entire world that country can’t tolerate any act of terrorism against it.
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Talking to reporters on the sidelines of unveiling of statue of 19th Gyalsras Bakula Rinpoche on the 108th birth anniversary of Architect of Ladakh here today, he said “Pakistani terrorists killed our innocent people and by launching the Operation Sindoor, Indian forces showed what they can do in retaliation”.
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Maintaining that India is a votary of peace and it wants to live in complete peace and harmony with its neighbors, Rijiju said “Our efforts of presumed peace should not be constrained by any country as our weakness”.
Rijiju said to keep the India’s point of view before the world, Narendra Modi Government is sending the delegation of Parliament members, political leaders and former diplomats to different countries of world to keep the India’s viewpoint before them and convey them in unequivocal terms that India is a peace loving country but it will not hesitate in acting against terrorism and world should also not hesitate in taking a firm stand against the terrorism which is a great threat to humanity all over globe.
Speaking to the Global relevance of Buddhism, the Minister recalled Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s remarks at the United Nations, where he proudly stated “India has given Buddh (Buddha) to world not Yudh (war).”
In response to a question regarding the ongoing agitation at Bodh Gaya , Rijiju said that the temple management issue lies with State Government of Bihar and the Centre will take it up with them to seek a solution.
Addressing the function, Rijiju called himself fortunate for getting the opportunity to unveil the statue of Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, terming the moment as ‘something to cherish for years to come.’ Stating that there are only a few divine incarnations like Bakula Rinpoche who leave a lasting impression, he recalled the grand reception given to him and the Indian delegation, who were accompanying the sacred relics of Lord Buddha, on their arrival in Mongolia. He also highlighted Kushok Bakula Rinpoche’s contribution to reviving Buddhism in Mongolia.
Rijiju reiterated the message given by Prime Minister after the ceasefire with Pakistan following the success of Operation Sindoor on the occasion of Budh Purnima, in which he stated that ‘Shanti Ka Marg Shakti Se Ho Kar Jata Hai’ and another message given by Modi to the Indian community in Vienna, in which he stated that Bharat is a land of Buddha and not Yuddha, underlining Buddha’s message of peace and brotherhood.
Calling himself lucky to be the first Buddhist Cabinet Minister of the country, Rijiju highlighted various initiatives taken by him for the welfare of Buddhists from Ladakh up to Arunachal Pradesh through the Buddhist Development Plan under which funds would be provided through his Ministry for the development of various centres at monasteries along with playground, fitness equipment, etc. for monks. He also highlighted various initiatives taken by the Ministry of Minority Affairs for all six notified minority communities in India.
Rijiju in the presence of Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (retd) Dr BD Mishra and Chairman/CEC, Tashi Gyalson, unveiled the statue of 19th Gyalsras Bakula Rinpoche on his 108th birth anniversary at Bakula Rinpoche Memorial Park.
Stating that a landmark in the form of Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport at Leh has been dedicated to Rinpoche, the LG highlighted the lasting impression left by a great personality like Rinpoche on Ladakh and its people. Calling Bakula Rinpoche a comprehensive personality, he informed that Bakula Rinpoche left an indelible impression on the geography, history, religion, people, generations and culture of Ladakh for years to come.
Recalling Bakula Rinpoche’s contribution to the upliftment of the underprivileged and promotion of education, along with bringing Ladakh into the mainstream, the LG also highlighted the pivotal role played by Bakula Rinpoche in securing Ladakh from enemy forces during the first Kashmir War. He also highlighted Rinpoche’s role in the welfare of the people of Ladakh, especially to eradicate poverty and illiteracy, through various roles assumed by him as the Member of Parliament from Ladakh and a Minister in the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir Government.
Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Leh, Tashi Gyalson, in his speech, highlighted Rinpoche’s contribution to the development of Ladakh and achieving Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the people of Ladakh along with the Autonomous Hill Development Council for the region.
The Mongolian Ambassador to India, Ganbold Dambajav, read out the message from the President of Mongolia, Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, dedicated to Rinpoche’s contribution to the people of Mongolia. There were cultural performances by the Women’s Association of Spituk village.
Earlier, Ven Thupstan Paldan welcomed the guests while Nambardar, Spituk village, Jigmet Angchuk gave the vote of thanks.
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