Padma Shri awardee His Eminence Thiksay Rinpoche inaugurated the monk hostel ‘Thiksay House’ at Drepung & Galden Monasteries in Mundgod, South India on December 21.

Rinchen Lhamo, Member of the National Commission for Minorities was also present.

His Eminence graced Karnataka's grounds on December 17, receiving a warm reception at the airport by the Abbot of Drepung Gomang Monastic University, Kundiling Rinpoche, alongside other esteemed dignitaries from the Gomang administration. Also present were monks from Ngari Khamtsan and members of the Drepung Thiksay Educational & Cultural Society, along with monk students from Nubra Diskit Monastery's Ngari Khamtsen.

On December 18, His Eminence received a heartfelt welcome at Gaden Shartse and Jangtse Monasteries. Gaden Shartse stands tall as one of the three significant Gelukpa Monasteries in South India, each boasting a congregation of over 2000 monks fervently studying Buddhist Philosophy to attain the esteemed Geshe Degree.

Rinpoche graciously paid visits to Loselling Monastery and Gomang Monastery, where long-life offerings in the form of Mandala were tendered. These monastic havens fall under the revered Drepung Monastery, representing three major monastic universities within the Gelukpa Tradition. His Eminence, in his wisdom, visited Ngari Khangtsen, imparting invaluable advice to Ladakhi monks, urging them to pursue rigorous studies and dedicated practice towards the noble pursuit of Buddhahood. 

His Eminence Bakula Rinpoche; His Eminence Zotpa Rinpoche;  Nominated councillor for Sangha community, LAHDC Leh, Venable Konchok Tsephel; Councillor, Thiksay constituency, Stanzin Chosphel, Nambardar and Goba of Thiksay  Goba were present during the inauguration ceremony of "Thiksay House".

Expressing gratitude, Geshe Chamba Tonyot presented thankas to all esteemed dignitaries.

His Eminence Thiksay Rinpoche and Rinchen Lhamo ceremoniously planted trees within the courtyard of "Thiksay House," symbolizing growth and prosperity for the future.