\r\nGreeting each other for a prosperous year ahead, people of Ladakh celebrated Losar with great enthusiasm on December 19, in Leh. People in their traditional attire gathered at Chowkhang Vihara to seek blessing for the New Year.\r\n

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\r\nDr. Nirmal Singh, Deputy CM, chief guest wished people of Ladakh for peace and prosperity and expressed happiness to be part of the celebration and experiencing the rich culture and tradition of Ladakh.\r\n

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\r\nTalking about the beauty and value of diverse culture and tradition of the nation he termed Ladakh as a crown jewel of India and applauded people for their contribution and effort to preserve the age-old tradition and culture. \r\n

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\r\nDr. Nirmal Singh said that both the Centre and State Government will extend full support to develop the region at all levels. He also assured to take up the demand of upgrading Chowkhang Vihara by LBA in the Ministry of Culture to fulfil it. \r\n

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\r\nWelcoming the guest, Tsewang Thinles, President, LBA wished everyone for a prosperous, peace and happy New Year.\r\n

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\r\nTalking about the rumours and issues that posed a question on communal harmony in the past few months, he said, “Buddhist community of Ladakh always believed and followed the path of peace, love and compassion. Different faiths of the region have been living in a cordial relationship all those years and being the president of LBA, I assure that the relationship and bonding will be further strengthened.”\r\n

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\r\nTsewang Thinles informed Deputy CM about the DPR that has been submitted under Buddhist circuit development project to the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India in the year 2015-16 for the further up-gradation and development of Chowkhang Vihara. \r\n

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\r\n “Since no work has been carried out till now, a new DPR has been made for the further submission to the Ministry. I hope Deputy CM will take this matter and help in getting it approved”, he added.\r\n

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\r\nDr. Sonam Dawa, CEC expressed happiness and gratitude to the Dr. Nirmal Singh on his visit to the region and being a part of the celebration. \r\n

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\r\n“All these years we the people of Ladakh have been living in a very harmony and cordial relation which will be always maintained and together we will walk on the road to development and peace.” \r\n

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\r\nHe expressed happiness over the completion of few developmental projects and implementing new ideas and plans and also felt sad and sorry about the things which are not been able to complete in the gone years.\r\n

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\r\nDr. Sonam Dawa stressed on the need to strengthen the bond and live in unity to bring peace and prosperity in the days to come.\r\n