Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche visits Ladakh Inaugurates 15th phase of "Go Green Go Organic"

By Stanzin Padma Leh, Jun 10, 2024
His Holiness Chetsang Rinpoche during the inauguration of15th phase of the "Go Green Go Organic" mass plantation drive at Takmachik village.
Leh :

His Holiness Chetsang Rinpoche embarked on a significant series of events in the Sham region of Leh district from June 5.

Celebrating World Environment Day, His Holiness inaugurated the 15th phase of the "Go Green Go Organic" mass plantation drive at Takmachik village. This initiative saw the planting of over 10,000 fruit saplings, underscoring Ladakh's commitment to sustainable and organic horticulture practices.

Present at the inauguration were esteemed figures including His Eminence Thuksey Rinpoche, His Eminence Stakna Rinpoche, His Eminence Tsamthul Rinpoche, CEC Tashi Gyalson, MP JTN, DC Santosh Sukhdev, EC Tashi Namgyal Yakzee, EC Ghulam Mehdi, and Go Green Director Dr. Thinles Dampo.

His Holiness emphasised the initiative's origins 20 years ago with the planting of Seabuckthorn, a plant native to Ladakh known for its economic value and rich in vitamin C and E. Over the past 12 years, this effort has led to the planting of approximately 2 million trees, including fruit trees, contributing significantly to Ladakh's carbon neutrality goals.

On June 6, His Holiness was warmly welcomed by the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) Sham and devotees at Khaltse Zerthang Gyalway Photang. The community expressed deep gratitude for His Holiness's environmental stewardship, which has positively impacted Ladakh as a whole. They celebrated His Holiness's presence with traditional offerings and expressions of devotion.

During his visit, on June 7, His Holiness conferred the "Great Generation of Bodhichitta according to Maitreya’s Lineage of Vast Conduct (Drikung Semskyat Chenmo)" upon around 5000 attendees from various regions of Ladakh, imparting blessings and teachings.

Continuing his engagements, on June 8, His Holiness bestowed the "Great Drikung Phowa Jaktsug Ma" transmission and Longevity Empowerment upon over 15,000 devotees gathered at Zerthang Photang Khaltse. The event concluded with a life mandala offering and traditional performances in honor of His Holiness's visit.