The inauguration ceremony of 4th International Festival of Buddhist Heritage of Ladakh (IFBHL) on the theme “Historical heritage of Ladakh” was held in Nagarjuna Auditorium, Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS), Leh on 23rd August. 

The festival is celebrated to create awareness, showcase and preserve the rich culture and spiritual heritage of the Himalayas. It brings together seeker of truth and lovers of peace from all over the world.

The event was organized by the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, Ladakh, in collaboration with Nava Nalanda Mahavira, Bihar and International Buddhist Confederation, New Delhi.

Eminent scholars, politicians, social and religious heads from different countries have graced the occasion.

Rigzin Spalbar, Chairman CEC, Leh said that this auspicious event is one of the historic parts of Ladakh. In regards of the occasion, he mentioned three things, firstly he addressed about the Ladakh which covers 70% area of J&K state which is strategically crucial and important, as no states of the nation shares border from two countries. We share a border with both China and Pakistan.  Welcoming the Defense Minister, Manohar Parrikar, he requested to improve & solve the issues related to this matter for which the promise had been done. 

Secondly, he raised the point of utilization of the rich and rare resources that grow in Ladakh which are found nowhere in the world.

 

The resources increase a huge scope and potential to raise the infrastructure and the development of Ladakh. Cashmere the best quality that is prude and tested fully organic product, the unexplored  herbal products  that are spread vast across in  the Himalayas, the world famous Apricots, Sea buckthorn that grow wild in abundance has more than 80% properties than Amla. The sad part is that we are just in the state of raw material supply only.

Thirdly he gave importance to the security of Ladakh and the people who need to strengthen and powered by the Government of India.

People of Ladakh reside along the borders of two hostile countries and depend on the army, tourism and on subsidized products which is not sustainable. He urged the minister to give Ladakh a benefit from the government looking and taking consideration of its uniqueness and importance rather considering the population of Ladakh. Because of the less number of the population it has been neglected and couldn’t able to get all the benefits which the Government of India bestow. Thus, some exception needs to be there for Ladakh.   

Chalit Manityakul, H.E the Ambassador of Thailand in India, expressed his sincere appreciation and gratitude to MIMC, for inviting him in the 4th IFBHL. 

He said that IFBHL has become quite a unique event of Ladakh which is not merely a forum for world spiritual leaders to share their thoughts and pray for the peaceful work but also for International performer to showcase their diverse artistic and cultural way of life. 

“As a country Thailand also has the best tourism, food processing and all agriculture resources, so we are always there to render our support to the people of Ladakh”, he added.  

He also said that Thailand has been one of the most pro-active partners in promoting and preserving Buddhism. It is also their aim to enhance the cordial relation between the countries through Buddhism by reaching out to places outside the traditional Buddhist circuit in the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, where hundreds & thousands of Thai people visits every year.

Datuk Seri Dr. Victor Wee, President, Buddhist Gem Fellowship, Malaysia said that they had come up with 30 delegations from Malaysia and Singapore.  He said, "the culture &  heritage of any nations and any people is certainly something that really worth preserving for prosperity because we can recognize very quickly the traditions of culture and also the intangible heritage includes language, songs, traditional practices, legends and lot of other things.” 

 

He also added that as we look across the world we have seen how much damaged has been done by the modernity. Intangible things were carried by the people who become older and the younger people are no longer interested in learning this culture heritage.

At last he wishes a great success and peaceful coordination among all over the world for promoting and preserving the human dignity.

 

Jamie Cress well, President, European Buddhist Union, United Kingdom emphasized that event like this is so important in a process of peace building. It brings people together from all different culture, countries and religions. Peace building is not only about the country to country, not about defense and armament and not about politics; it’s most fundamentally about each individual taking responsibility for creating peace alive. Each one of us has an ability to be a peace, builder. 

 

In between the programme, awards were presented to various dignitaries and also the 4th edition magazine was launched on the same day. 

In the beginning, the welcome speech was conducted by Ven. Sanghasena, Founder President of MIMC.