Leh 13 :- The Bhoomi Pujan (Sabchok) Ceremony of the proposed Traditional Arts Academic Block of Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (Deemed to be University), Choglamsar, Leh was solemnized on Saturday, the 13th July, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. on the campus of the institute by Shri Kiren Rijiju, Hon’ble Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Govt. of India in the august presence of galaxy of monks and nuns of CIBS, Leh. The building, to be constructed at a cost of Rs. 53.97 crore is being fully funded by the Ministry of Minority Affairs under the Buddhist Development Plan under PMJVK and will house the Departments of Bhot Thanka Painting, Bhot Sculpture and Bhot Wood Carving.
On the conclusion of the Bhoomi Pujan Ceremony, a reception programme in honour of Shri Kiren Rijiju was held in the Arya Nagarjuna Auditorium of the institute. Other dignitaries present on the occasion included Adv. Tashi Gyalson, Chairman/ CEC, LAHDC, Leh, Shri. Tsering Angchuk, Deputy Chariman/ EC, LAHDC, Leh, Dr. Pawan Kotwal, Advisor to Lt. Govenor, UT of Ladakh, Ms Padma Angmo, Commessioner/ Secretary, Higher Education, UT of Ladakh, Dr. SD Singh Jamwal, ADGP, UT of Ladakh, Shri Chering Dorjey, Persident, Ladakh Buddhist Association, Ven,Tsering Wangdus, President, All Ladakh Gonpa Association, Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, Founder-President, Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, Leh, Shri Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, former Member of Parliament (Ladakh-Lok Sabha), Shri C Phunsog, former Chief Secretary, J&K State, Prof. SK Mehtha, Vice-Chancellor, University of Ladakh, Dr Padma Gurmet, Director, National Institute of Sowa Rigpa, Leh, Dr. OP Chaurasia, Director, DIHAR, Leh, Shri Santosh Sukdev, Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Ms. Shruti Arora, SP, Leh, Shri S S Verma and Ms Yashoda, both officials of the Ministry of Minority Affairs as well as the faculty members, non-teaching staff and the students of CIBS, Leh.
In the beginning, the Hon’ble Minister inaugurated the programme by kindling the Dhamma Lamp. It was followed by singing of the the Kul Geet (University Anthem) of the institute, and presentation of Manglacharan in Pali. Thereafter, Prof. Rajesh Ranjan, Vice-Chancellor, CIBS, Leh honoured the Hon’ble Minister and other dignitaries, present during the programme with khadags. He, thereafter, presented Welcome Speech. In his speech Shri Kiren Rijiju assured full support for the future plans of the institute from his Ministry and also assured that the proposals for the construction of Sowa Rigpa Medical College & Hospital of CIBS as well as construction of Souvenir Shop will also be approved shortly.President, Ladakh Buddhist Association Shri Chering Dorjey also addressed the gathering. The students of the institute presented a colourful cultural programme in which the Hon’ble Minister also participated. Dr. Konchok Rigzen, Administrative Officer presented Vote of Thanks, followed by singing of National Anthem.
