The ground worship ritual (Bhumi Pujan) was conducted at the new construction site of the Buddhist Gonpa in Kargil on June 21.

Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, along with Executive Councillor for Revenue, Kacho Mohd Feroz, EC for Information Er. Punchok Tashi, EC for Education Zakir Hussain, Councillors of LAHDC Kargil, representatives from religious organizations including Imam Khomeini Memorial Trust (IKMT), Jamiat Ulama Isna Asharia Kargil (JUIAK), Anjuman Ahle Sunnat, President of the Buddhist Association Kargil, monks, and civil society members were present.

CEC Dr. Jaffer expressed gratitude to Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Revenue Officers, and others for their contributions to this significant project. He highlighted the historic importance of the day for both Kargil and Leh.

Dr. Jaffer underscored the importance of communal harmony in Ladakh, emphasizing that unity and peaceful coexistence among various communities are essential for the region's prosperity. He also mentioned the successful conduct of the Lok Sabha election.

The CEC congratulated the Buddhist community of Ladakh and expressed hope to invite His Holiness for the official foundation stone-laying ceremony. He emphasized the role of religious institutions such as temples, mosques, and Imam Baras in promoting moral health, alongside physical and mental well-being.

President of the Buddhist Association Ladakh, Tsering Dorjay Lakrook, spoke about the cultural significance of the Bhumi Pujan ceremony for any construction project and recognized the day as memorable for Ladakh.

He acknowledged the contributions and vision of the Hill Council Kargil and stressed the importance of the day in fostering brotherhood and unity among the people of Ladakh. He thanked all stakeholders for their presence and support, describing it as a moment of happiness for the Buddhist community of Ladakh, symbolizing unity, mutual respect, and collective efforts of various communities in the region.

Photo Caption: During the ground worship ritual (Bhumi Pujan) at the new construction site of the Buddhist Gonpa in Kargil.