Thiksey Rinpoche presenting the Ladakh dPal rNgam Dusdon Award to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Photo / Tenzin Choejor / OHHDL
By — Web news desk
The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh awarded His Holiness the Dalai Lama with the 6th Ladakh dPal rNgam Duston award for His Holiness’ substantial contribution to humanity and especially towards Ladakh during the celebration of Ladakh dPal rNgam Duston commemorating the occasion of UT Ladakh Declaration Day and 75th Indian Independence Day on 5 August 2022 at Sindhu Ghat: a riverbank situated near Shey village in Leh.
The award conferment ceremony was attended by 104th Gaden Tripa Jetsun Lobsang Tenzin Palsangpo, Thiksay Rinpoche, Thuksey Rinpoche, Urgyen Rinpoche, Khamdrak Rinpoche, and Kyilkhang Rinpoche.
The Chief Executive Councillor Tashi Gyalson of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Lok Sabha member Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, Advisor UT Ladakh Umang Narula, former Tibetan cabinet and His Holiness’ sister Jetsun Pema, Security Kalon Dolma Gyari of CTA, secretaries of Gaden Phodrang office, representatives from various religious groups based in Ladakh, and Deputy Chairman Tsering Angchuk of LAHDC are also amongst the guests attending the celebration.
Following the arrival of the event’s chief guest, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, at the venue, the Indian National flag was hoisted, and the students amongst the attendees amassed at the Sindhu Ghat performed classical dances. Subsequently, the Deputy Chairman Tsering Angchuk conveyed a welcome speech, after which the incumbent head of Thiksay Monastery bestowed the 6th Ladakh dPal rNgam Duston award to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Quoting a verse from Tsongkhapa’s Praise of Dependent Arising, His Holiness the Dalai Lama introduces himself to the gathering as a simple Buddhist monk following the guidance of Shakyamuni Buddha.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama addressing the audience after receiving Ladakh dPal rNgam Dusdon Award. Photo / Tenzin Choejor / OHHDL
His Holiness acknowledged his incessant endeavour in studying Buddha’s dharma while stressing the practical implementation of Buddha’s words over simply studying and reciting to the followers.
Extolling the existence of harmonious relationship between the different belief groups in Ladakh despite the prevalence of Tibetan Buddhism and traditions in the Himalayan regions, His Holiness reiterated oneness in the message of all religions and expressed his commitment to promotion of peace and compassion. Apart from promotion of universal peace, His Holiness conveyed dedicated efforts in mitigating the effects of global warming through advocacy while stressing the essentiality of preserving greeneries for future generations. Meanwhile, he lauded the Ladakhis for their effort in increasing tree plantation and maintaining the ecosystem.
Expressing his gratitude to the people of Ladakh for awarding, His Holiness said he was greatly pleased with the receptions and devotions received from the Ladakhis while promising similar visits in the future. He advised students to study well and Buddhist followers to wholeheartedly study and practice the teachings of Buddha.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama with dignitaries holding a thangka of citation. Photo / Tenzin Choejor / OHHDL
