A function was organised to commemorate the millennial anniversary of Nyarma, a revered and ancient institute cum university, remnants of which still endure in the village of Thiksey on October 28. 

The function was jointly organised by Ladakh Academy of Art, Culture and Languages Leh, International Institute for Culture & Ethics (IICE), and Thiksey Monastery with support from the people of Thiksey village. 

The closing session was graced by the presence of CEC, LAHDC Leh, Tashi Gyalson as the chief guest along with MP Ladakh, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal as the guest of honor. Dy Chairman, LAHDC, Tsering Angchuk; VP LBA, Chering Dorjey Lakrook, and Councillor Thiksey, LAHDC, Stanzin Chosfail were the special guests during the occasion. 

Other guests including eminent scholar Ven. Thupstan Paldan, Director Shesrap Skyadtsal Ling Learning Centre Thiskey, Geshe Jamyang Tashi, Ven Venerable monks and nuns, Director IICE, Tashi Namgyal; village representatives led by Sarpanch Thiksey participants from various places and people of Thiksey village attended the event.

All the officials explored the entire architectural remains of the age-old Nyarma Institute guided by eminent scholar Ven. Thupstan Paldan who shared valuable insights into the historical significance of the Institute, established in the 11th Century A.D. by the renowned philosopher Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo. He also highlighted the world-famous Kashmiri Gandhara art style used at the institute, especially inside the major sections including that of Nalanda Master Atisha Dipamkara. He also mentioned Nyarma as a uniform centre of philosophical studies back in the late 11th century bringing together scholars from diverse backgrounds. 

CEC Tashi Gyalson, Leh, congratulated all the participants on the commemoration of the millennial anniversary of the historic Nyarma Institute. He lauded the efforts of the organisers for successfully organising the event. He stated that it is the collective responsibility of every citizen of Ladakh to preserve the age-old heritage and cultural traditions, terming few such are on the verge of extinction. He appreciated the Hill Council, Leh for the initiatives in allocating a separate budget in its annual plan with a ceiling of ₹ 2 lakh on the disbursement of every panchayat of Leh district for the preservation and renovation of ancient heritage sites. He also spoke of several deliberations being made on the preservation of the architectural remains of the Institute and assured continued assistance from the Hill Council, Leh in protecting important historical sites including the Nyarma Institute at Thiksey. 

MP Ladakh, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal in his address highlighted the contributions of Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo in establishing various learning centres and historically significant monasteries in Ladakh and the trans-Himalayan region, including the Nyarma Institute at Thiksey and the globally renowned Alchi monastery. He referred to Nyarma as the ‘Nalanda of the Himalayas’ emphasising its role as the 1st University in Ladakh to continue the legacy of the historic Nalanda tradition of Philosophy dating back to the 11th century A.D. He also emphasised the vital role of youths in learning the legacy of the significance in the context of the history of Ladakh. Highlighting the history of the Institute and urged everyone especially youths to explore and study in preserving the rich cultural and traditional heritage of Ladakh. 

Dy Chairman Tsering Angchuk also mentioned the significance of Nyarma Institute in reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Ladakh. He stressed the need to encourage youths to explore and learn about the history of Ladakh especially at the school level. He appreciated the organisers for conducting such an important event commemorating 1000 years of the Institute. 

VP, LBA Cherring Dorjey Lakrook stressed the importance of Nyarma as a centre of learning in ancient times and the need to revive the age-old traditions along with the preservation of these historical sites within Ladakh.
 
Councillor Thiksey expressed his gratitude to all the stakeholders involved in successfully organising the much-needed function at the Institute. He also thanked all the dignitaries for their gracious presence and valuable support to date.

Culture Officer, LAACL Leh, Dr. Thupstan Nurboo presented an overview on the commemoration of the 1000 years of Nyarma Institute. 

The book “Legacy of Nyarma” was launched by the dignitaries during the event.