With about 500 books, Bhim Rao Ambedkar public library was inaugurated and made open for public on September 6 at the Shagaran shopping complex.

 

Named after Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, the library was established by Ladakh Buddhist Association, sponsored by GKL foundation and Hanuran movement Korea in collaboration with Won Buddhism India.Hong Yeon Kyung, President, Hanuran Movement Inc, Korea inaugurated the library. 

Hong Yeon Kyung said, “It is an honor to inaugurate the public library in presence of the entire distinguished guest from both Ladakh and Korea”. 

Talking about the harsh environment and strong willpower of the people she said, “Two things in Ladakh make me surprise. First, the harsh environments, high altitude, dry air, and cold winter and second, the strong attitude of people with the spirit and wisdom to live in harmony with nature despite so many challenges”.

“I hope you could keep this wisdom along with the economic development and be the ideal society with the blend of material and spiritual civilization. If you make use of the cultural, historical and natural resources through your wisdom you will be eco- mother society not just in India but in the world”, she added.

Talking about Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, Nawang Rigzin Jora, MLA said, “Diversity has been embedded in the constitution of India this is what Ambedkar did for us otherwise we could have got lost with our small nose and eyes in the country of about 1.3 billion. We all should be thankful to him as we have equal rights.”

He emphasised to respect Dr. Ambedkar and all the people who have contributed to the society.

Rinchen Namgyal, Vice President, LBA said, “Youths should develop the habit of reading instead of wasting time by engaging themselves in unnecessary things. The library is open especially for the younger generation to take the benefit and properly use time. In the future, we are planning to make it digital”. 

He further informed that South Korea cultural centre GLK Foundation funded furniture including 20 tables, 30 chairs, and 500 books and bookshelves. The foundation will also try to collect donation from all over the world to provide more books in the library.  Also, the timings for the library will be flexible.

Kim Kum Pyoung, Director, Korean Cultural Centre, Park Chan Oh, Director, Secretariat of GKL Foundation, Korea and Ven. Lobzang Nyantak, Upper Leh Councilor also spoke on the occasion.