Leh, May 15, 2026/ VOL News Desk/ As part of the ongoing 15-day Sacred Exposition of the Holy Relics of Gautama Buddha in Ladakh, the Administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh in collaboration with the Ladakh Gonpa Association organised a conference on the theme “Past, Present and Future of Buddhism in Ladakh” at Dharma Centre, Leh. The conference was chaired by His Eminence Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche and attended by monks, scholars, officials, students and members of the public.

The programme commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the Chief Guest, Chief Secretary of UT Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, along with His Eminence Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche and eminent Rinpoches from across Ladakh.

The inaugural session began with a welcome address by President of the Ladakh Gonpa Association, Dorjey Stanzin, who highlighted the spiritual significance of the sacred Buddha relics and appreciated the support of the UT Administration in organising the exposition. He stated that the conference aimed to deliberate on the historical roots, present condition and future prospects of Buddhism in Ladakh.

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In his opening remarks, His Eminence Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche described the arrival of the sacred relics as a great blessing for the people of Ladakh. He emphasised the role of Buddhism in shaping Ladakh’s spiritual and cultural identity and stressed the importance of preserving Buddhist teachings, heritage and values for future generations. He also urged the younger generation to remain connected with their culture, history and traditions.

During the conference, a book titled Gon Sum La Stodpa Rangshar Melong authored by Khenchen Tsering Rigzin was formally released.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra congratulated the people of Ladakh for their overwhelming participation in the sacred exposition. He noted that thousands of devotees continue to visit the relics daily and described the devotion of the people towards Lord Buddha as commendable. He stated that Buddhism and its teachings of peace and compassion continue to inspire people across the world and highlighted Ladakh’s message of communal harmony and peaceful coexistence.

The vote of thanks for the inaugural session was delivered by Director Tourism, Tsering Paldan.

The technical session featured lectures and presentations by eminent scholars and speakers on the historical contribution of Buddhism in Ladakh, its role in social harmony, present-day challenges and its relevance in building a peaceful and harmonious society. Speakers included Khenchen Tsewang Rigzin, Venerable Thupstan Paldan, research scholar Jigmet Chorol, Dr. Tsering Dolkar and writer Lundup Gyalson.
The conference concluded with closing remarks by His Eminence Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche.

Among others present on the occasion were Secretary School Education, Bhanu Prabha, Secretary Tourism and Culture, Sanjeet Rodrigues, along with scholars, officials and other eminent personalities.