The foundation stone for the proposed Dung-rten project, construction of 83 feet Buddha Shakyamuni statue was laid by Galdan Thizur Sras Rinpoche on June 8 at Gonpa, Leh.

H.H Galdan Thizur Sras Rinpoche said that people should develop moral values and discipline, whatever the devotion they made is useless until and unless one does not have a pure heart and thoughts. He focuses on keeping religious harmony in the society.

Thupstan Chhewang, MP said, “We are known for religious harmony, rich culture and heritage in the world and we have to keep this alive for the future generation. This site is very blissful as we get to find many stupas and statues by excavation and constructing a statue for the world peace is one of a positive initiative by people of Gonpa and assured full support to accomplish the project.”

Tsering Motup, Chairman, Gonpa Thundel Tsogspa said, “The project cost for construction of statue is ₹7.00 crore, we are going to complete it in a phased manner. It will take almost three years to complete. We have a project named Dung-rten cultural centre in which we are going to construct library, cafeteria, conference hall and parking lot. For the construction of this centre, we have asked for the fund from Hill Council and Tourism Development Authority, however, we didn't ask for the fund in constructing the statue as we have sponsors in our village.”

LBA President Tsewang Thinless also spoke on the occasion.

Gen Lobzang Nyantak, Upper Leh Councillor donated ₹7.00 lakh and Sayeeda Bano nominated councillor donated ₹1.00 lakh for the construction of the statue.