Governor N.N. Vohra today attended the inaugural function of 7 day “Naropa 2016” festival being held at the Hemis Monastery in Leh district. His Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa; Mr. Chering Dorjay, Minister for Cooperatives and Ladakh Affairs; Dr. Sonam Dawa, CEC, LAHDC Leh; Mr. Thupstan Chhewang, Member Parliament; Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora, MLA Leh; Mr Prasanna Ramaswamy, Deputy Commissioner Leh; Lt. Gen. P JS Pannu, GOC 14 Corps; Mr. Tsewang Thinles, President Ladakh Buddhist Association were among the dignitaries present on the occasion.Addressing the gathering the Governor welcomed all the devotees from various foreign countries, from across the Himalayan States and the people of Ladakh who had gathered, in nearly a lakh strong audience, at the historic Hemis Monastery to celebrate "Kumbh Mela of the Himalayas.” Congratulating the people of Ladakh on the occasion of this magnificent festival, the Governor said that this special event which is held after 12 years as the Kumbh Mela of the Himalayas commemorates the beginning of a rich tradition in Buddhist philosophy and hoped that this festival of teachings , dance and music would bring people together spiritually, not only from different sects of Buddhism but also from other communities. He said that it also acquires special significance as it marks 1000 years since the birth of saint Naropa.
Highlighting the contributions of revered Indian scholar-saint Naropa the Governor said that he is best known for having collated the Six Dharmas and from him, several Buddhist traditions flourished throughout India, Central Asia and beyond and his life and teaching marked the beginning of a new era of Buddhism that continues to thrive in all corners of the Himalayas and the world.Underlining the importance of such festivals, the Governor said that such events play a crucial role in promoting cultural heritage and strengthening the bonds of compassion, love and understanding which is most needed in today’s strife torn world.Paying his respect to His Holiness the Gyalwang Drukpa, head of the Buddhist Drukpa Lineage, and a world-renowned humanitarian, author, environmentalist, and champion of gender equality, the Governor lauded his 2,500 km expedition on cycle from Kathmandu to Leh along with over 200 Kung Fu nuns belonging to various nunneries of the Drukpa sect, spreading the message of women’s empowerment, gender equality and climate change enroute. He hoped that such eco friendly expeditions will inspire people to respect and enjoy nature in sync with it.His Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa, in his address on the occasion, stressed all to work for the welfare of the humanity and playing a constructive role in conservation of environment. He emphasized the need to introduce curriculum which educates people about climate concerns and maintenance of ecological balance.Earlier the Governor and His Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa inaugurated Naropa’s Six Ornaments and released books on Buddhist philosophy and religious and devotional songs.