Q. Congratulations on becoming the president of the LBA youth wing. Tell us about yourself. 

Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity. My name is Jigmet Rafstan, and I hail from the beautiful village of Stok in Ladakh. I pursued my higher education at Punjab University, where I gained valuable knowledge and experiences that shaped my outlook on life. After completing my studies, I returned to Ladakh with a strong desire to contribute to my community and the region. Upon my return, I was fortunate to become an active member of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) youth wing. My journey within the organization began under the mentorship and leadership of Mr. Rigzin Dorjay, where I served as the General Secretary. This role allowed me to work closely with the youth and understand the challenges and aspirations of our generation. This year, the LBA made history by holding its first-ever democratic elections to select its leadership. I participated in this election and, with the support and trust of my peers, was elected as the President of the LBA Youth Wing for the next three years. This election marks a significant step towards democratizing the Ladakh Buddhist Association, ensuring that the voices of the youth are heard and represented in shaping the future of our community. I am deeply honored to take on this responsibility and am committed to working tirelessly to uplift and empower the youth of Ladakh, promoting our cultural heritage, and addressing the challenges we face in today’s rapidly changing world. 

Q. Brief us about the LBA Youth Wing Association. What are its roles and objectives?

The LBA Youth Wing is an integral part of the Ladakh Buddhist Association, functioning under the guidance of the parent body. It maintains connections with associations across all Buddhist villages in Ladakh. The Youth Wing is responsible for organizing various programs related to the Buddhist community, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. The roles and objectives of the LBA Youth Wing include: 1.Connecting with the Community: The primary role of the Youth Wing is to engage with people from Ladakh who follow the teachings of Buddha. We aim to support them in resolving any issues they encounter in their lives, providing a platform for dialogue and assistance. 2.Promoting Social Reforms: The Youth Wing is dedicated to bringing about social reforms that promote equality within the Buddhist community. We strive to address social issues and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society. 3.Preserving and Promoting Buddhist Heritage: A crucial objective is to maintain, preserve, and promote our rich Buddhist heritage. We focus on inculcating Buddha’s teachings in the young minds of our community, ensuring that our cultural and spiritual traditions are passed on to future generations. Through these roles and objectives, the LBA Youth Wing aims to foster a strong, supportive, and enlightened community, deeply rooted in the teachings of Buddha and committed to the welfare of all its members. 

Q. As the newly elected President of the LBA Youth Wing, what are your plans and priorities?

What changes do you aim to bring during your tenure? My priorities are clear and focused, with education being at the forefront. Youth in Ladakh are in dire need of the right guidance to lead their lives judiciously. The LBA Youth Wing will serve as a bridge between the dreams and realities of our young people, helping them navigate the challenges they face. Alongside modern education, I plan to place a strong emphasis on inculcating the teachings of Buddha in our youth. We will organize workshops that cover the basic teachings of Buddha, aimed at fostering spiritual values. By doing so, we hope to provide our youth with the right direction, enabling them not only to confront worldly challenges but also to lead meaningful and peaceful lives. 

Q. What are the major challenges faced by the LBA Youth Wing, and how do you plan to tackle them? 

The major challenges we face include unemployment, stress, anxiety, depression, migraines, drug addiction, and the loosening of family values due to the influence of Western cultures. The LBA Youth Wing is committed to addressing these issues to alleviate the pain and suffering of our youth, helping them to become valuable assets to both the community and societyresolving any issues they encounter in their lives, providing a platform for dialogue and assistance. 2.Promoting Social Reforms: The Youth Wing is dedicated to bringing about social reforms that promote equality within the Buddhist community. We strive to address social issues and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society. 3.Preserving and Promoting Buddhist Heritage: A crucial objective is to maintain, preserve, and promote our rich Buddhist heritage. We focus on inculcating Buddha’s teachings in the young minds of our community, ensuring that our cultural and spiritual traditions are passed on to future generations. Through these roles and objectives, the LBA Youth Wing aims to foster a strong, supportive, and enlightened community, deeply rooted in the teachings of Buddha and committed to the welfare of all its members. 

Q. As the newly elected President of the LBA Youth Wing, what are your plans and priorities? What changes do you aim to bring during your tenure?

My priorities are clear and focused, with education being at the forefront. Youth in Ladakh are in dire need of the right guidance to lead their lives judiciously. The LBA Youth Wing will serve as a bridge between the dreams and realities of our young people, helping them navigate the challenges they face. Alongside modern education, I plan to place a strong emphasis on inculcating the teachings of Buddha in our youth. We will organize workshops that cover the basic teachings of Buddha, aimed at fostering spiritual values. By doing so, we hope to provide our youth with the right direction, enabling them not only to confront worldly challenges but also to lead meaningful and peaceful lives. 

Q. What are the major challenges faced by the LBA Youth Wing, and how do you plan to tackle them?

The major challenges we face include unemployment, stress, anxiety, depression, migraines, drug addiction, and the loosening of family values due to the influence of Western cultures. The LBA Youth Wing is committed to addressing these issues to alleviate the pain and suffering of our youth, helping them to become valuable assets to both the community and society.
We will focus on creating support systems and initiatives aimed at tackling these challenges head-on. Additionally, we will work towards resolving social issues such as family disputes and land conflicts through amicable negotiations. 

Q. Many youths in Ladakh are engaging in anti-social behaviors like drug addiction and alcohol abuse. What steps is the LBA Youth Wing planning to take to address this?

Anti-social behaviors such as drug addiction and alcohol abuse often reflect a lack of emotional intelligence and resilience. Youths, and indeed many people in Ladakh, may turn to drugs and alcohol as a way to cope with stress and anxiety. This is one of the biggest challenges we face. To address this, the LBA Youth Wing will organize comprehensive awareness campaigns focused on emotional intelligence, aiming to educate individuals about healthier coping mechanisms. These campaigns will be conducted at all levels, reaching out to communities across Ladakh. Additionally, we will seek sustainable remedies by providing support systems, counselling, and rehabilitation programs to help those struggling with addiction. Our goal is to foster a stronger, more emotionally resilient community that can face challenges without resorting to harmful behaviours.

Q. What initiatives will you implement to attract and retain young talent?

The LBA Youth Wing is committed to nurturing and retaining young talent in Ladakh. We organize workshops and seminars aimed at identifying and developing the skills and talents of our youth. By providing them with the necessary platforms, we help them excel in their respective fields, whether it be in academics, arts, sports, or any other area of interest. Moreover, we actively advocate for our youth by forwarding recommendations to relevant authorities when additional support or resources are needed. This ensures that talented individuals receive the opportunities they deserve to grow and succeed. Our goal is to create an environment where young people feel valued, supported, and motivated to contribute to the community.

MESSAGE TO THE READERS 

As modern education fosters individualistic thinking, it’s crucial for youth to balance personal progress with family values and community well-being. I urge parents to guide their children, ensuring they grow into assets for the community. The LBA Youth Wing welcomes all passionate young people eager to contribute to the Buddhist community’s welfare. Together, we can shape a better future