Leh, May 19, 2025: The Hon’ble Union Minister of Minority Affairs/Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju, in the presence of Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) and Hon’ble Chairman/CEC, Advocate Tashi Gyalson, unveiled the statue of 19th Gyalsras Bakula Rinpoche-often referred to as the Architect of Modern Ladakh- on his 108th Birth Anniversary at Bakula Rinpoche Memorial Park.

108 apple saplings, signifying the 108th birth anniversary of Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, were planted on the occasion. A book titled ‘Kushok Bakula Rinpoche-Architect of Modern Ladakh: Life and Times’, authored by Sonam Wangchuk Shakspo, was launched on the occasion by the esteemed guests.

Stating that a landmark in the form of Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport at Leh has been dedicated to Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, the HLG highlighted the lasting impression left by a great personality like Bakula 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.

* Click to Follow Voice of Ladakh on WhatsApp *

Recalling Bakula Rinpoche’s contribution to the upliftment of the underprivileged and promotion of education, along with bringing Ladakh into the mainstream, the HLG also highlighted the pivotal role played by Bakula Rinpoche in securing Ladakh from enemy forces during the First Kashmir War. He also highlighted Kushok Bakula 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. He also stated that Kushok Bakula’s contribution was recognised by the Government of India, resulting in his appointment as India’s Ambassador to Mongolia and the conferment of Padma Bhushan in 1988.

Commending Kushok Bakula Rinpoche’s multifarious contributions, including the revival of Buddhism in Mongolia during his tenure as India’s Ambassador to Mongolia in the 90s, the HLG stated that it was his sincere outlook that helped in transforming communist Mongolia into a democratic country in the 90s.

Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Union Minister Kiren 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, Shri Kiren Rijiju 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.

Shri Kiren Rijiju reiterated the message given by Hon’ble Prime Minister after the ceasefire with Pakistan following the success of Operation Sindoor on the occasion of Buddha Purnima, in which he stated that Shanti Ka Marg Shakti Se Ho Kar Jata Hai along with the message given by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra 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, Shri Kiren 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.

Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Leh, Advocate Tashi Gyalson, in his speech, highlighted Kushok Bakula 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. He stated that the people of Ladakh should remember Kushok Bakula Rinpoche’s contribution across all spheres for years to come. He also informed that around Rs five crores were invested to develop the Bakula Rinpoche Memorial Park, along with the plan to develop a Learning Centre at the site.

The Hon’ble Mongolian Ambassador to India, HE Ganbold Dambajav, read out the message from the Hon’ble President of Mongolia, Mr Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, dedicated to Kushok Bakula 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.

His Eminence Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche, His Eminence Urgyan Rinpoche; Abbot Geshe Lobzang Wangchuk and venerable monks from Spituk monastery, Executive Councillors from LAHDC Leh- Tashi Namgyal Yakzee, Ghulam Mehdi and Stanzin Chosphel along with Councillors from LAHDC Leh; Chief Secretary, Dr Pawan Kotwal, IAS; DGP Ladakh Police, Dr SD Singh Jamwal, IPS; AOC of Air Force Station Leh; Administrative Secretaries from UT Administration; DC Leh, Santosh Sukhadeve, IAS; former MP Ladakh, Thupstan Chhewang and Jamyang Tsering Namgyal; heads from religious organisations/political organisations; Officials/ government officers; general public and school students were present in the event.