The Hill Council organized the launch of 4th LAHDC, Leh achievement book on 29 July at Sindhu Sanskriti Kendra, Leh. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama unveils the book entitled “Achievement of the 4th Hill Council from 2011 to 2015”.

 

The publication of this book is an important step towards transparency in governance with an aim to provide access to information.

  

On the auspicious occasion, HH the 14th Dalai Lama delivered about secular ethic that must be inculcated in every individual. He said that as Indian constitution itself is based on a secular concept, which means respecting all religions and also respecting non- believers. He added that this is something very unique and important in today’s world. He added that being a Buddhist of 21st century every Buddhist must make it imperative to read lots of book to understand the core objective of Buddhist philosophy, then experiment and put it in action rather than just going by blind faith and devotion.

He said, “Whenever I mentioned the importance of inner values I always mentioned the Indians thousand years of secular concept. Therefore, India has a great potential to contribute to making a better, happier and a harmonious world.”

    

He also expressed that the ultimate source of happiness and sadness which is within us resides in our mental state. He added that if our mind is at peace but the situation surrounded is difficult even then we can experience and maintain a peace around us.

Rigzin Spalbar, Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC, Leh on the behalf of all the people of Leh welcomed HH the 14th Dalai Lama. He presented the introductory address, in which he highlighted about their accomplishment during the five years term of present LAHDC, Leh. He said that, firstly they had taken initiative to make Leh clean under the Leh beautification project.

 

He added that the project aims to deal with the issue of reducing pollution of the local environment due to the rapid urbanization of Leh town; secondly, the hill council has been putting special emphasis on education. He also added that persistent improvement in the education standard results in a phenomenal output. He further said that the 4th hill council has continued with efforts to keep Ladakhi society rooted to its cultural values even as it embraces modernity. The Ladakh vision document 2025 and LAHDC perspective plan for the 12th five year plan have provided important bridges to connect traditional heritage and modern values.

“Despite many constrains & challenges the 4th hill council has managed to achieves several milestone and it has been possible because of the support of general public, the untiring efforts of my colleague in the council and the officer of District Administration lead by CEO of  LAHDC, Leh” he said.

 

He also extended his gratitude to HH the 14 the Dalai Lama for his valuable donation ₹ 1,13,09,449 for the nomads of Changthang region.

 

The editor of the book, Rinchen Dolma, said that the contributors of this book were a dedicated team including Delex Namgyal (KAS) as coordinator, Sunetro Ghosal as consulting editor, Namgyal Tsaskhan as photographer and Rahul Chhokkun as the layout designer.

“The book was made possible with the support and guidance of every head of the departments led by DC, Leh, Saugat Biswas and Chairman, LAHDC, Rigzin Spalbar,” she mentioned.

The programme was ended with a vote of thanks by Rakesh Badyal, Officiating CEO cum Deputy Commissioner Leh.

 

The chief guest on the occasion was HH the 14 Dalai Lama and the guest of honor was Gaden Tripa Ridzong Rinpoche other distinguished members Rigzin Spalbar, CEC, LAHDC, Leh, Chering Dorjey Lakrook, State Cooperative Minister, Thupstan Chhewang, MP Ladakh and Rigzin Jora, MLA were present on the occasion.