Excelsior Correspondent
KARGIL, Sept 15: Syabje Ling Rinpoche today inaugurated Lhakang Tashizgang Gonpa at Wakha. The inauguration ceremony was followed by Rabnyas prayers during which special prayers were held for peace, tranquillity and communal harmony in the world.
The Gonpa building constructed at a cost of Rs 2.20 cr in a record time of 5 years out of donations raised from devotees of entire Ladakh and Kullu, Manali, Khunnu etc. has came up with religious paintings, frescos, portraits of Buddha and icons of Bodhisattavas.
Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC, Kargil Feroz Ahmad Khan, Executive Councillor for Zanskar Affairs Er Phunsog Tashi, Executive Councillor for Health Muhammad Ali Chandan, Deputy Commissioner and CEO, LAHDC, Kargil Baseer ul Haq Choudhary, Superintendent of Police Kargil Dr Vinod Kumar, eminent head lamas of various monasteries, prominent members of Buddhist and Muslim communities, district officers, hundreds of monks and nuns besides devotees in large numbers were present during the inauguration celebrations.
During his religious sermon on the occasion, Syabje Ling Rinpoche while highlighting the principles of Buddhist philosophy urged upon the devotees to imbibe the true ethics of Buddhism and to act upon them so as to lead a happy and healthy life.
The CEC lauded the commitment and dedication of the committee members and other stakeholders for ensuring completion of the Gonpa building in record time.
He while highlighting the significance of Ladakh as an example of communal harmony and mutual co-existence appealed people to work towards strengthening these age old ancestral traditions so as to pass them on to the next generation in their true essence.
Meanwhile, a number of colourful cultural programmes including flower dance, yak dance, Rhpao Dance, Shundol Dance and other folk music and dance performances were presented by the villagers of Wakha, Mulbekh, Bodh Kharboo, Sapi and adjoining villages as well as the artists of J&K Cultural Academy.