Culture Minister Inaugurates CIBS Drikung Gonpa School in Dehradun

Dehradun, 28th Oct. 2022; Union Culture & External Affairs Minister Meenakshi Lekhi and Member of Parliament Jamyang Tsering Namgyal in presence of Tibetan Sikyong Penba Tsering has inaugurated a Drikung Kagyu Dorjeying Gonpa School, affiliated as branch of Central Institute for Buddhist studies (Deemed to be University) Leh Ladakh at Drikung Kagyu Institute, Dehradun, UK India.

While addressing the gathering, Minister Meenakshi Lekhi expressed, “India is a great nation with rich spiritual and cultural traditions. In Indian origin tradition, we all have the same root with different branches and lord Buddha who is the lord of lords has blessed this nation with immense love and spirituality. I used to say that the path shown by Lord Buddha is universal in its appeal because it’s an inward philosophy which expresses that before changing the world you should change yourself. And we must cherish the truthful teachings of Lord Buddha. And last I want to congratulate the Drikung Kagyu Institute for the inauguration of primary school and best wishes for future endeavours. Also, we the MoS for culture and external affairs assure you to support you continuously.

MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal congratulates the Drikung Kagyu Institute for the successful affiliation of the School under the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (Deemed to be University) Leh Ladakh run by Ministry of Culture Govt. of India and appealed the Minister to approve the remaining institutes which has applied for the affiliation under CIBS so that all the Monks and Nuns Students pursuing their studies from various Buddhist Monastic Institutions will get recognised certificates, Stephen and other facilities being provided by Govt. of India. He also added that 66% Monks & Nuns Students studying in various Tibetan Monastic Institutions in Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal and other Indian States are belonging to Indian Himalayan State, and its is the constitutional responsibility of the government to provide formal education to the students through various means. Ladakh MP further emphasised that through this initiative the Buddhist Monastic Institutions will definitely get strengthened with additional facilities.

Tibetan Sikyong Pemba Tsering appreciated the initiative taken by Ladakh MP Jamyang Tsering Namygyal to get recognised certificate by affiliating the Gonpa Schools it CIBS Ladakh and also encourages the Tibetan Buddhist Monastic Institutions to get affiliated with the Central Institution of Buddhist Studies of Ladakh to get recognised certificates and other facilities from Govt. of India through Ministry of Culture. He also emphasised the strong relations between India and Tibet. While addressing he expressed that, ‘Tibet has much deep connection with India, whether its a manual script or the ancient Indian wisdom, we the Tibetans are so indebted to India for its generosity and kindness. Tibetan Sikyong thanks Govt. Of India and appealed for support in future also by approving the affiliation of the remaining monastic schools.

Rev. Konchok Tsephel Councillor of Buddhist Sangha Community of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Leh extends gratitude to the Govt. Of India especially the Ministry of Culture for approving the request made by Ladakh MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal to affiliate the Drikung Gonpa School with CIBS in a very short time and also extends gratitude to the CIBS administration for its early implementation on ground.

The program was attended by Amita Prasad Sarabhai Joint Secretary of Ministry of Culture Govt. Of India, Dr. (Prof.) Badiyana Labh Vice Chancellor of CIBS Deemed Unniversity Leh, Dr. Konchok Rigzen Addl. Administrative Officer CIBS, Dr. IB Jha Principal CIBS School Leh and other concerned officials.

The programs was culminated with the Indian national anthem.