The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, today chaired a comprehensive preparatory meeting at Lok Niwas to review arrangements for the holy exposition of the sacred Buddha relics in the Union Territory of Ladakh.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Shri Ashish Kundra and revered spiritual leaders including H.E. Thiksay Rinpoche, H.E. Drukpa Thuksey, H.E. Bakula Rangdol Nima Rinpoche, H.E. Drubwang Rinpoche, H.E. Khenchen Rangdol Rinpoche, H.E. Urgyan Rinpoche, H.E. Palga Rinpoche, H.E. Khantul Rinpoche, H.E. Liktse Khamtak Rinpoche, H.E. Thiksay Khamtak Rinpoche, and H.E. Tsamtrul Rinpoche.
At the outset, Chief Secretary Shri Ashish Kundra briefed the meeting about the historic initiative undertaken by the Hon’ble Lt Governor to bring the sacred Buddha relics to Ladakh for the blessings of its people. He informed that, following the Lt Governor’s application to the Ministry of Culture, Government of India—highlighting Ladakh as a land of profound Buddhist heritage—the proposal was accepted. He informed that the sacred relics are expected to arrive in Leh on April 28–29, with a grand ceremonial reception planned on May 1. The Chief Secretary informed that the sacred relics will be placed at Jivestal for public display for approximately 15 days, enabling devotees from across Ladakh to seek blessings. He further informed that a review meeting of the constituted committee for planning and coordination would be held shortly, and assured that arrangements—including transportation facilities—would be made to ensure maximum participation from all districts.
The venerable Rinpoches expressed gratitude to the UT Administration for the initiative and offered valuable suggestions. These included robust security arrangements, effective crowd management systems, constitution of smaller task-oriented committees, adoption of best practices from international events such as the Global Peace Prayer in Bhutan, mass chanting by different Buddhist sects, a grand reception at Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport, multilingual information dissemination for devotees and tourists, screening of films on Buddha, and inviting ambassadors from Southeast Asian nations and representatives of Buddhist learning centres.
In his address, the Lt Governor described the exposition of the sacred relics as a historic and spiritually significant occasion for the people of Ladakh. He shared that the idea was inspired following his meeting with the Hon’ble Prime Minister and his visit to view the sacred Piprahwa Buddha relics in New Delhi. Recognising Ladakh’s deep-rooted Buddhist traditions and the large number of devotees in the region, he felt it was imperative that the people be given an opportunity to seek blessings locally.
Emphasising that only two months remain for preparations, the Lt Governor called for meticulous planning, seamless coordination and time-bound execution of responsibilities. He stressed the importance of forming dedicated sub-committees to ensure accountability and efficiency in every aspect of the event, including logistics, security, medical facilities, sanitation, and volunteer management.
Highlighting the spiritual dimension, he underscored the need for mass prayers, mantra chanting and an interfaith seminar, particularly in today’s volatile global environment, to send a powerful message of peace, unity and harmony from Ladakh to the world. He emphasised that the teachings of Lord Buddha must serve as a guiding light for the younger generation, fostering unity, compassion and mutual respect.
The Lt Governor also noted that a large number of tourists are expected to visit Ladakh in May and directed the concerned departments and local stakeholders to disseminate knowledge about the sacred relics and their historical and spiritual significance among visitors. He assured that the UT Administration would make all coordinated efforts, in collaboration with religious authorities and security agencies, to ensure smooth crowd management and a spiritually enriching, secure, and memorable experience for all devotees.
The Lt Governor sought the continued guidance and cooperation of all revered Rinpoches and stakeholders to make the holy exposition a grand success and a defining spiritual milestone for Ladakh. He also appealed to the people of Ladakh to extend their wholehearted support and active participation in making the holy exposition a truly historic and spiritually elevating occasion. Urging citizens to uphold the values of discipline, hospitality and harmony, he called upon volunteers, civil society organisations, youth groups and religious institutions to work in close coordination with the Administration.