Leh, May 19 (KNS) : Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju today unveiled a statue of 19th Gyalsras Kushok Bakula Rinpochey at Bakula Rinpochey Memorial Park in Leh.
Kushok Bakula Rinpochey is widely regarded as the architect of modern Ladakh for his selfless contributions in various fields of life and was awarded with the Padma Bhushan in 1988.
Speaking on the occasion, Rijiju said that he considered himself lucky to be present for the unveiling of the statue of Kushok Bakula Rinpochey. He said that he had been to Ladakh before as well, but this visit will remain etched in his memory forever.
Rijiju said that some people on this earth do things that are remembered for all times to come, and Kushok Bakula Rinpochey was one of them. He highlighted Rinpochey’s contributions to the upliftment of the downtrodden sections of the society despite coming from a royal background.
The minister spoke at length about Rinpochey’s life and works and especially highlighted his efforts towards revival of Buddhism in Mongolia when he worked there as Ambassador of India.
Saluting the efforts of Rinpochey, Rijiju revealed the warm welcome and exceptional hospitality accorded to him on a recent visit to Mongolia along with the relics of Lord Buddha was only possible because of the efforts of Rinpochey.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelHe exclaimed that because of these efforts, Rinpochey was presented with the highest civilian award of Mongolia.
Rijiju also participated in a plantation drive which was organized on the occasion to mark the 108th birth anniversary of Kushok Bakula Rinpochey.
Lt Governor of the UT of Ladakh Brig (Dr) B D Mishra (Retd) said on the occasion that Kushok Bakula Rinpochey has left an indelible mark on Ladakh and there is no sphere of life where his contributions do not stand out. He added that his contributions will remain relevant for all times to come and made special mention of his efforts aimed at the security and protection of the people of Ladakh during the 1948 attack by Pakistan.
The event was also attended by the Ambassador of Mongolia to India Sh Dambojay Gambold. He also spoke on the occasion and delivered the message of the President of Mongolia.
The Ambassador threw light on the cultural and religious connections between India and Mongolia that have existed since ancient times. He said that because of the efforts of people like Kushok Bakula Rinpochey, these connections are still very strong and will continue to be so in future as well.
The event also witnessed a number of cultural presentations which were dedicated to and themed around the life and contributions of Kushok Bakula Rinpochey.(KNS)