Devotional songs were sung at the venue and offered prayers. Different religious priests also chanted prayers in fond memory of the ‘modern architect of Ladakh’.

Later,  a half-day conference on the topic ‘Bakula Rinpoche’s contribution to Socio Economic and political development of Ladakh was held at the Nagarjuna Auditorium, Central Institute of Buddhist Studies, Choglamsar. 

Students from various schools of Ladakh participated in the discussion.

 

Professor Jamyang Gyaltson, Gen Thupstan Paldan, Gen Urgain Tsering, and Sonam Wangchuk Shakspo presented paper on contributions made by Bakula to Ladakh, Mongolia and others. 

Rigzin Spalbar, CEC said, “The main objective of the event is to transform the dream and vision of Gyalsras Bakula into reality. We feel very fortunate that in 80’s we have the opportunity to visit many places with Gyalsras Bakula. And today I think we generation are because of Bakula Rinpoche. Our society is changing very rapidly in the last 20 -30 years and it is inevitable to stop change. Our Ladakhi society is small, it can be destroyed in minutes and also can be rebuilt in minutes. He said the only thing in this world which is permanent is change itself.” 

He congratulated the members of Press Club Leh for forming the club as it will be an unbiased club.

There was a panel discussion which included CEC, Rigzin Spalbar, Prof Jamyang Gyaltson, Gen Thupstan Paldan, Gen Urgain Tsering, Konchok Namgyal, LGA President and Sonam Wangchuk, Secy. Bakula Foundation. 

Sonam Wangchuk, Secy. Bakula Foundation told media that the foundation has been founded to highlight the achievements and contributions made by Late Bakula Rinpoche towards Ladakh and Mongolia. And also they are planning to publish some books on him.

He further added that 2017 will be celebrated as his centenary and sought collective support from all stakeholders to make it a grand success. He also expressed happiness over the kind gesture of state government in naming the Jammu Railway Road after late Bakula.

Later, CEC asked the students to tell about the social evils in the society. And there were many social evils such as increasing cases of drugs, Alcohol, caste system, dowry system. Besides that,  problems in the society such as inclusion of bodhi language in the 8th Schedule, increasing road accident, Lack of toilet, corruption, garbage littering were discussed. 

The contributions made by him for the cause of region’s unity and integrity will be remembered for generations to come. 

His achievements like Padma Bhushan awardee, revolution in education, eradication of illiteracy, poverty, atrocities of landlords, injustice will always remind us of his great contribution in the building of better Ladakh. 

To mark his death anniversary Spituk monastery was illuminated with butter lamps in the evening.