The chief guest of the event was His Holiness the Gyalwang Drukpa His Eminence Drukpa Yongdzin Rinpoche, Narendra Singh Tomar (union minister for steel and mining), and Dr. Chandan Mitra, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha)were the guest of honour. Venerable Bhikkhu Sanghasena, delegates from Bhutan and the Drukpa kung-fu nuns were also present.

 

The event began with the lighting up of the lamp by his holiness Gyalwang Drukpa and followed with a silent prayer for the departed soul, Mufti Mohammad Syed, Chief minister- Jammu and Kashmir and Jigmet Angdu- Cultural secretary, LSWSD.

 

“Eight Fold Path” a coffee table book on the journey of a thousand pad yatris led by his holiness Gyalwang Drukpa was also released. The book reminds of the correct way of living and how to preserve, protect, heal and nourish our planet Earth. 

 

His Holiness highlighted the importance of living in harmony with the environment and cultivating compassionate towards all sentient beings irrespective of one’s own religion and sect. He stressed upon the importance of preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Ladakh along with the modern education. 

 

Narendra Singh Tomar congratulated His Holiness and the Drukpa Kung Fu Nuns for successfully completing 2500 km -Eco-Cycle Yatra from Kathmandu to Delhi through the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh spreading the message of Swacch Bharat and Women Empowerment. He also congratulated His Holiness for undertaking other environmentally friendly initiatives including massive plantation drive in Ladakh.

 

Dr. Chandan Mitra congratulated all the students and elaborated the importance Lord Buddha’s teaching, which in every aspect are relevant to the world even after more than 2550 years.

 

A discussion on "Education, Economics and Ecology" was followed with two Drukpa Kung Fu nuns, Sonam Angmo- research scholar at JNU and Rigzin Tamchos who is pursuing Phd in Buddhist Studies from Delhi University as panelists.  The discussion was moderated by Arjun Pandey- Chairman, Live to Love India. 

 

The discussion gave insight on the need to have a balance in materialism and spirituality and how sustainable way of life is a necessity but not a choice. A question and answer session was followed with His Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa and the students. 

 

Tsewang Nurboo-President, LSWSD talked about the initiatives taken by the LSWSD to solve the problems faced by Ladakhi students and patients in Delhi. He pledged to work for the betterment of all being and appealed everyone to support the student union in every possible way so that it could strengthen every year.

 

The event lighted up with the presentation of colorful traditional dance of far flung areas like Changthang, Zanskar and Kargil by the students. Bhutanese students studying in Delhi also presented a beautiful dance in honour of their monarch. All the former executives and sportsperson were felicitated with certificates and a momento for showing their efforts and hard work. 

 

Sonam Gurmeth- joint secretary, LSWSD in his vote of thanks, express gratitude to His Holiness for his blessings and immense support. He thanked live to love India for all the support to make the day a successful one. 

 

The students displayed the dynamic Ladakhi culture with photo exhibition, Ladakhi kitchen, unique costumes, and a stall on Ladakhi traditional food and beverages as well as a summary of history of Ladakh.