Leh, June 16: In a profound celebration of Ladakh’s spiritual and cultural heritage, the Drikung Kagyud Samdup Chosling Monastery at Durbuk was formally inaugurated by His Holiness the 37th Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche. The inauguration was marked by a grand ceremonial gathering of revered Rinpoches, Tulkus, Khenpos, and Lamas, including H.E. Skyabje Thuksey Rinpoche, H.E. Skyabje Samdup Rinpoche, H.E. Skyabje Dongnor Chosje Rinpoche, and H.E. Skyabje Norboo Tsang Rinpoche.
Coinciding with the monastery’s inauguration, His Holiness also inaugurated the newly constructed Yatri Niwas at the monastery complex, envisioned as a facility to welcome pilgrims and spiritual seekers to this sacred site.
The Hon’ble Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson, attended the event as the Guest of Honour, accompanied by Executive Councillor Sh. Tashi Namgyal Yakzee, former MP Sh. Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, Councillor Chushul Sh. Konchok Stanzin, Councillor Phyang Sh. Tundup Nurboo, nominated Sangha Councillor Ven. Konchok Tsephel, and nominated Councillor Sh. Phunchok Norboo.
A large and diverse gathering of devotees, dignitaries, and guests witnessed the celebration, including LGA President Ven.Dorje Stanzin, President LBA Lalok Sh. Thinles Angchok, Brigadier Rinchen Dorjey and Indian Army officials, environmental leaders including the Director of Go Green, former Executive Councillor Sh. Gurmet Dorjey, former Councillor Namgyal Durbuk, members of the Royal Family of Bhutan, guests from Taiwan, and several serving and retired government officials.
In his address, the Hon’ble CEC appreciated and lauded the efforts of the local community, monks, and all those who contributed in the establishment of the monastery.He announced that LAHDC Leh has sanctioned approximately ₹4.5 crore for the development of supporting infrastructure around the site. Expressing heartfelt gratitude to His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche, he praised his continued dedication to the spiritual and ecological well-being of Ladakh.
H’CEC further highlighted LAHDC Leh’s vision for sustainable development in alignment with His Holiness’s teachings. He noted that the ongoing collaboration with the Go Green movement has resulted in the plantation of over four lakh trees across the region, marking a significant step towards building a greener and cleaner Ladakh. He emphasized that these efforts reflect the shared vision of His Holiness and the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for a sustainable and self-reliant Ladakh.
Hon’ble EC Tashi Namgyal Yakzee and Former MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal also addressed the gathering, reflecting on the historical and spiritual significance of the event and lauding the leadership and guidance of His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche
His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche, joined by H.E. Thuksey Rinpoche, delivered enlightening spiritual discourses. His Holiness emphasized the urgent need for environmental responsibility and introduced the concept of carbon credits as a visionary solution for Ladakh’s future. Stressing that “Go Green” is not merely a plantation drive but a transformative ecological movement, he called for collective action toward holistic sustainable development.
The programme concluded with a vibrant cultural presentation, featuring traditional horse races and the felicitation of individuals who played key roles in the monastery’s construction and the overall development of the community.
