A one day conference on the contribution of nuns in art, culture and language of Ladakh was held on 19 March at Lotsava auditorium, Culture academy, Leh.  The day was organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages Leh in collaboration with Nun Association of Ladakh.

 

President, LBA, Tsewang Thinles was the Chief Guest of the occasion. The objective was to highlight the condition of nuns in Ladakh despite being a part of the society. Moreover, the concern was to discuss their life, the importance to take them along with monks and to give equal recognition in the society as they deserve. 

Speaking on the occasion, Tsewang Thinles stressed the importance to get united and promote the Nun Association more on the road to development. He expressed the unfortunate scenario of our society which lacks in determining and understanding the difference between the right and wrong. People believe more in criticizing rather than encouraging the one who does something for the society.

 

Showing his concern over no representation of nun association in the LBA, LGA and other society and association he gave assurance that two representatives from the Nun association will be the member in the General council meeting of the LBA and the president of Nun Association will be the member of the Central working committee of LBA. 

 

He further added that he will also strive to give some financial support to the nuns in their education, livelihood and other needed things. 

Thupstan Dolma, a nun spoke on the status and condition of nuns in the society. She said that there was a time when a nun in the family was considered as a maid and no respect was paid. As compared to the olden days the scenario has changed.  She stressed the importance of preserving one’s own culture and tradition.

She further added that the society should give encouragement and support to the nuns in every way in terms of education, respect and giving equal status.  She urged the nuns to follow the path of dharma honestly without hesitation.

Dr. Stanzin Palmo expressed the importance of the consideration to the nuns of Ladakh. She said gradually the attitude is changing with time. Today many people in our society feel less important to respect and serve the nun.

 

She further added that the society needs to give equal status to the nun also and should further encourage pursuing the education and leading the life. 

It’s been about 20 years since the Ladakh Nun Association was formed and the objective was to provide a shelter for the old aged nuns and imparting education to the young ones. Building a monastery for the nuns wherever needed was one among the aim of the association. 

Councillor, Lobzang Nyantak, Gen Thupstan Paldan CIBS Director, Professor, Jamyang Gyaltson also spoke on the occasions and other guest includes Dr. Nawang Tsering.