The 82nd birth anniversary of His Holiness Ladakh Chosgon Staktsang Raspa was celebrated with great fervor on June 8 at Chowkhang Vihara, Leh.

The celebration was jointly organised by Ladakh Buddhist Association and All Ladakh Gonpa Association. His Holiness Chetsang Rinpoche was the chief guest and His Eminence Thuksey Rinpoche was the special guest of the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, His Holiness Chetsang Rinpoche wished Ladakh Skyabgon Staktsang Raspa on his 82nd birthday and prayed for his long life and well-being for the benefit of all sentient beings. 

His Eminence Thuksey Rinpoche said that the main objective of celebrating His Holiness Staktsang Raspa’s birthday is to reiterate the contribution of Staktsang Raspa and make people aware of it. His Eminence said that because of Lama Staktsang Raspa’s blessing Ladakh flourished not just spiritually but in every way.

His Holiness Staktsang Raspa in his audio message to the people of Ladakh expressed gratitude to everyone for celebrating his birthday. His Holiness asked the people of Ladakh to stay in harmony and stated that his prayers are always with the people of Ladakh. He further stressed doing good and to have a clean heart for the welfare of all sentient beings. 

President, LBA, Thupstan Chhewang said that the LBA and LGA feel honoured to organize the birthday celebration of His Holiness Staktsang Raspa and expressed gratitude to His Eminence Thuksey Rinpoche for this opportunity. He said that it is for the first time His Holiness Staktsang Raspa’s birthday is being celebrated on a grand scale and will continue to do it further.

He said that Lama Staktsang Raspa is recognized and honored not just by the Buddhist people but by the Muslims of Ladakh also. “His role in the development of Ladakh is immense and it becomes equally important to every Ladakhi to recall his contribution”, he added.

Talking about the visit of His Holiness Staktsang Raspa to Ladakh he said, “In the past years, many efforts have been done to invite His Holiness Staktsang Raspa to Ladakh but due to several issues he couldn’t able to visit. We are still striving and hope that someday His Holiness will be able to visit Ladakh and bless the people.” 

His Eminence Ladakh Chosjey Togdan Rinpoche narrated the biography of 1st Lama Staktsang Raspa who acted as an adviser to the king Singey Namgyal in his political and diplomatic affairs. Togdan Rinpoche said that the golden age of Ladakh was ushered because of King Singey Namgyal and Lama Staktsang Raspa 

A book titled, ‘The light of Ladakh’ briefed about His Holiness 6th Lama Staktsang Raspa authored by Khanchen Tsewang Rigzin was also released. 

MP Ladakh, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, and CEC, Hill Council, Leh,Tashi Gyalson also spoke about the contribution of Staktsang Raspa in the field of art and culture, maintaining communal harmony, preservation, and promotion of Ladakh’s identity.

Rinchen Lamo, Member, National Commission for minorities, Dr. Abdul Qayum, President, Anjuman Moin ul Islam; Ashraf Ali Barcha, President, Anjuman Imamia and other speakers also spoke on the occasion. 

A spectacular cultural performance was also presented during the occasion.