The Tibetan medical and Astrological Institute, also known as Men-Tsee- Khang celebrated its 55th founding anniversary on 23th March at Men Tsee Khang Building, Leh. The event marked the 55 years of establishing Men Tsee Khang by Dalai Lama.  

P. T Kunzang, Vice President of LBA who was the chief guest on the occasion said that historically Men -Tsee- Khang was established by 13th Dalai Lama in 1916, later under the guidance 14 Dalai Lama later it was re- established on 23th March 1961 in Dharamsala H.P and indeed it has provided beneficial towards all the people of the world, and in remote villages of Ladakh. Sowa- Rigpa has played an important role in curing the disease in scientific ways so it is our responsibility to preserve and promote Sowa- Rigpa.

Dr. Thinley Namgyal, Men Tsee Khang Cultural Centre, Leh explained on subject medicine based on Tibetan Sowa-Rigpa stating that Tibetan medicine treats almost all the common and major diseases, it is found effective in hepatitis, the certain type of mental disorder, ulcer, paralysis, gallstone, kidney stone, arthritis, diabetes, various skin problems and depression. 

He further added, “from my experience I have worked as intern for six months at Men -Tsee- Khang Bangalore branch clinic and I have found Tibetan medicine very effective in certain cases of cancer and several patients who were considered terminal cases have been greatly helped by Tibetan medication over past several years”.

He further said that in places like Ladakh and Tibet people have more bonded with culture of Sowa- Rigpa, people have more faith in Tibetan medicine than any other form of medicine, many people prefer alternate source of medicine to cure disease, in some cases traditional herbal and mineral remedies will be able to provide more effective treatment.

While welcoming the guest Padma Gurmet, Officer in charge of National Research institute of Sowa Rigpa said, “although China demolishes Tibet culturally, politically and spiritually, but when it comes to Sowa-Rigpa china has put great effort to carry it on. Because in 2015, I got the opportunity to visit Kham (Qinghai province of china) I have seen a factory of Sowa Rigpa Medicine production in a great number, and sowa- Rigpa hospitals are better than our District hospitals. In Kum-Bum region of Tibet there is Sowa- Rigpa Doctors even in monasteries.”

The year it is celebrated as the centenary year, since the establishment of Lhasa Men -Tsee- Khang in 1916 by 13th Dalai Lama. There are many programs such as medical camp, exhibition, health talks etc. lined up in coming months in India and abroad.

Guest also included Dr. Kelsang Tsomo, Jinpa Dorjee, Administrative Director and Dhundup Gyalpo from the chief representative office, Sonamling Tibetan settlement were special guest speakers. 

Group leaders of 12 camps and the people of Sonamling Tibetan settlement were also present on the occasion.