Q.Congratulations on becoming the President of LBA. What inspired you to put forward your candidature for the president of LBA?

Thank you! Actually, I didn't initially aspire to the position of President of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA). It's quite burdensome to be part of the LBA and work as one of its members. In the previous tenure, I served as the Vice President while Thupstan Chhewang was the President. There were many initiatives and efforts undertaken by the ex-President, and as Vice President, I was well-acquainted with these projects. To ensure the continuity of these efforts, everyone encouraged me to contest in the election. I received maximum support from the General Council Members (GCMs) and ultimately won the election for the President of LBA.

Q: What are your priorities and plans? What new changes do you want to bring in during your tenure?

Our priorities and plans for the tenure are comprehensive and aimed at enhancing the functionality and impact of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA). Firstly, one of our major responsibilities is to initiate the renovation work of Chowkhang Vihara in Leh. This plan was already set in motion by the previous general council, and we have invited volunteer architects to present their designs for the renovation. Currently, these designs are being examined by an expert committee, and the selection process is underway. Renovating Chowkhang and its surroundings, including the complexes and offices of LBA, is a significant task that requires meticulous planning and substantial funding. We are hopeful of receiving financial assistance from the tourism ministry, as we have made requests in this regard before.

Secondly, we have secured alternate land to construct the Monastery in Kargil (Kargil Gompa). This endeavor requires special attention and will progress simultaneously with other projects.

Additionally, there are various legal responsibilities that the LBA fulfills through its sub-committees. I intend to distribute these tasks to the branch offices of LBA across Ladakh as per their requirements to activate their roles effectively.

Furthermore, I aim to ensure active participation from all General Council members of LBA by assigning them specific duties. It is essential for every member of the association to take responsibility for its overall functioning, as the LBA represents the entire community.

Moreover, our plans and objectives need to reach the grassroots level to raise awareness about various societal aspects, such as the importance of our indigenous language and scripts, the significance of  and the need to discourage unhealthy and detrimental cultural practices. This holistic approach will contribute to the upliftment and empowerment of our community.

Q: As you are elected as the president of LBA, how do you view this platform?

The position of President of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) certainly draws significant attention. I understand that criticism comes with the role, and I welcome constructive feedback. It is crucial for people to come forward and provide feedback directly, rather than criticizing from the sidelines. If I make any mistakes or if there are any issues, I encourage individuals to express their concerns at the LBA office.

One common habit among the public is posting mostly negative commentary on social media platforms. This should be avoided as much as possible. Personally, I do not pay much attention to such distractions. The association is accountable to anyone who comes to the office with their feedback. Using social media for commentary, especially when it is not constructive, is not appropriate.

I view this platform as an opportunity to foster open communication and accountability. It is vital to create an environment where concerns can be addressed directly and responsibly, ensuring that the association truly represents and serves the community effectively.

Q: Over the years, we have seen criticism from certain sections of society regarding the LBA's involvement in political issues. What do you have to say about it?

It is rare to find someone completely distant from politics, as many individuals are part of some political party as workers or members. However, according to the rules of the LBA, anyone elected as a member of the association must resign from their primary membership in any political party. This is a key condition to ensure that members are apolitical and free from any party’s political agenda. The LBA strives to maintain its focus on serving the community without political bias or influence.

Q. What are the major challenges faced by the LBA and how you are going to tackle it?

The LBA faces numerous challenges that require thoughtful solutions:

Social Reforms in the Community:

Implementing and promoting social reforms is crucial. We need to address and rectify harmful cultural practices that are still prevalent.

Education for Youth:

Despite high educational qualifications, many youths are adopting detrimental cultural practices. Redirecting the youth from such behaviors is a significant challenge, not just for the LBA but for the entire community in Ladakh.

Declining Population Density:

The Buddhist population in Ladakh is declining, with many dedicating their lives to becoming monks and nuns. Ladakh, as a tribal region, risks losing its unique cultural identity with this population decline.

Dependence on External Labor:

There is a growing reliance on labor from outside Ladakh because local households have fewer family members, leading to a shortage of local manpower. This situation underscores the need for more Ladakhi people to participate in local labor.

Overall, it is essential for the entire society to recognize and address these issues collectively. Unity and concerted effort are key to overcoming these challenges.

Message to the readers

“We are gearing up to collect donations for the refurbishment of Chowkhang Vihara in Leh and the construction of Kargil Gompa. Our plan is to mobilize our General Council members, CWC members, and LBA branch members across Ladakh to reach out to the public for donations. Your contribution is vital, and I urge each one of you to participate and make an effort.

Let's join hands to make these projects a reality for the betterment of our community.”