UT Administration to bring sacred Buddha Relics to Ladakh for public Darshan: LG Kavinder
STATE TIMES NEWS
LEH: On the auspicious occasion of the New Year, the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, on Thursday visited the historic Hemis Monastery and the Maitri Geriatric Home at the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC), Devachan Campus, Choglamsar. The visit reflected the administration’s commitment to Ladakh’s spiritual heritage, social welfare, and inclusive development.
At Hemis Monastery, founded in 1630 by Staktsang Raspa Nawang Gyatso, the Lieutenant Governor was warmly received by Head Abbot (Chakzot) Venerable Nawang Jigmet and Secretary Dr. Ishey Namgyal. He visited the shrine rooms and offered prayers, seeking blessings for peace, prosperity, and the overall development of Ladakh and its people.
The monastery authorities briefed the Lieutenant Governor on the activities led by His Holiness the Gyalwang Drukpa, including the Naropa Fellowship, Druk Padma Karpo School, and the Live to Rescue Animal Shelter. They also sought his intervention for the construction of a Sarai in Srinagar on land owned by the Hemis Monastery to support Ladakhi patients.
Interacting with monks and devotees, Kavinder Gupta highlighted Ladakh’s rich spiritual legacy and its role in promoting harmony, mindfulness, and universal human values. He stated that the UT Administration is making sincere efforts to bring the sacred Buddha Relics to Ladakh for public darshan, which would hold deep spiritual significance while strengthening Ladakh’s identity as a global centre of Buddhism, peace, and cultural tourism. He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to preserving and conserving ancient monasteries and safeguarding their heritage for future generations.
Later, the Lieutenant Governor visited the Maitri Geriatric Home, which provides care, food, and free medical facilities to 40 elderly residents from across Ladakh. Venerable Sanghasena, Founder of MIMC, apprised him of the proposal to jointly operate a 50-capacity old age home at Saboo, funded by the Ministry of Social Justice, and requested support for heating and drinking water facilities.
Celebrating the New Year with the inmates, Kavinder Gupta interacted warmly with senior citizens, distributed blankets and fruits, and appreciated the selfless service of MIMC. Addressing the gathering, he emphasized that senior citizens are the foundation of society and reiterated the UT Administration’s commitment to their welfare, dignity, and social security. He also urged Ladakh’s youth to spend time with elders and learn from their wisdom.
Administrative Secretary Shashanka Ala, Director Social Welfare Kunzes Angmo, and other officials were present during the visit.
