Leh: The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) and the First Lady Neelam Mishra participated in the 2567th Buddha Purnima celebrations.
The event was organized by Ladakh Buddhist Association along with the All Ladakh Gonpa Association and International Buddhist Confederation, at Polo Ground. Buddha Purnima is celebrated with full religious fervor to celebrate the Birth, Enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana of Lord Gautam Buddha.
Commending the people and the concerned associations for putting up a grand show on the occasion, the HLG, on the auspicious occasion of Buddha Purnima, wished the people the very best. He passionately called the ever-lasting good influence the book, ‘The Light of Asia’ authored by Sir Edwin Arnold- which describes the life and time of Prince Gautama Buddha who became the Buddha after attaining enlightenment, had on his life.
He highlighted the renunciation of Lord Buddha in search of enlightenment for the benefit of mankind with all the physical hardships that he endured in quest for the ultimate wisdom.
HLG highlighted the importance of Nalanda University, which was one of the world’s first educational institutions which was established in the fifth century near Rajgir in Bihar and attracted students from across the globe for studies.
He also highlighted the attack on Nalanda University and its destruction by Bakhtiyar Khiliji circa 1193 AD. He stated that despite the destruction of this Centre of Academic Excellence, Buddhism continued to thrive and spread to many parts of the world.
Expressing his happiness over seeing people still celebrating Buddha Purnima in a grand way, HLG stated that the teachings of Lord Buddha, particularly the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, are still relevant today and continue to appeal to people across the globe. Highlighting the vision of the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modji, to preserve, protect, and propagate the rich culture, languages, heritage, and traditions, he advised the youth to follow Lord Buddha’s teachings and perform good deeds to become good citizens of India.
HLG informed about his plan to expedite developmental activities in Ladakh along with ensuring a good future for the youth from the region. He stated that his objective is to make Ladakh the top Union Territory of India and to make Ladakh a ‘Corruption and Delay-Free’ UT. HLG emphasized the importance of managing and using water judiciously along with avoiding littering to keep Ladakh neat and clean. He sought cooperation from the people of Ladakh in this regard.
HLG also felicitated Skyangchag Loskul Tsogspa and Tsewang Nurboo Vivek from Dhamma House Stok for their invaluable contributions towards Buddhism and the Ladakhi society.
Earlier, President, LBA, Thupstan Chhewang welcomed the guests and highlighted the relevance of Gautam Buddha’s teachings in today’s world. Monks from Chemrey Monastery performed Chhams (sacred mask dance) on the occasion.
