A vibrant Annual Day was celebrated by the Mahabodhi Residential School ‘Devachan’ on the 23rd October at the school auditorium. Minister for Urban Development & Local Bodies J&K Nawang Rigzin Jora was the chief guest for the occasion while many other eminent guests like Executive Councillor for Tourism Shafi Lasu, MLC Nurboo Gyaltson, Project Director LREDA Jigmet Takpa, District Congress President Tsering Samphel, Councillor Upper Leh Ven. Lobzang Nyantak, Principals of various schools, parents and other important guests were also present.

 

The celebration started with the lightening of the lamp by the Chief Guest and a welcome note by the School Principal Tsewang Dolma who also presented the School’s annual report of the year. The occasion was raised where they vis-a-vis celebrated the achievements of the students in various competition in different genres like academics, sports, creativities etc., within as well as outside their school. The winners were presented with certificates, gifts and cash prizes. The teachers were also presented with Khataks as a token of appreciation by the school.
 
Further the students of the Mahabodhi School including the students from the school branch, presented the audience with colourful, sweet and wonderful performances. All the participants later were presented with cash prizes for participation.
 
Jora on the occasion expressed his happiness to be a part of the event. He said that his association with Mahabodhi was since a long time, though his contribution to this institute is very nominal. Appreciating the work of the founder and Chairman Mahabodhi Bhikkhu Sangasena for his selfless work, Jora said that if we look at the transformation of this place we will realise that if a person is dedicated and has good intentions everything is possible and Gen Sangasena is a living example of it.
He added that it wouldn’t be a surprise if a person in power did social work because it would be easy for him as he is using his powers that he has been bestowed with, but if a common man like Gen Sangasena does it than it would be a matter of awe and pride.

Jora also inaugurated the newly built meditation centre (Sambuddhi Retreat Center). He highlighted the charity and social work he has been doing by providing free education and other facilities like hostels and food for the poor. “This institute not only provide just education but children are imparted holistic education which is the need of the hour.” Giving the example of Kashmiris and the Parsis he said, “Education is the top most empowering tool and the biggest leveller. Through education we can omit the gap between the rich and the poor, the low and the high.”
 
Founder and Chairman, Mahabodhi Residential School, Bhikkhu Sangasena in his speech thanked all the eminent guests for their encouragement and support for the development of the Mahabodhi Institute. He said that where they have reached with all kind of works in Mahabodhi till now is just the beginning and the final goal is still far. He also talked about the importance of Art of Living, compassion, and empathy as a part of education, which he said is missing.

He also highlighted the need and importance of coexistence of both science and religion and also meditation, in an educational curriculum.
 
The programme ended with the distribution of prizes among the best competent students from each class and facilitation of the best teacher of the year to Phuntsog Angmo.