News and Updates

Leh, Oct 28: A day-long function was organised today to commemorate the millennial anniversary of Nyarma, a revered and ancient institute cum university, remnants of which still endure in the village of Thiksey. The function was jointly organised by International Institute for Culture & Ethics (IICE) (Flowering dharma), Ladakh Academy of Art, Culture and Thiksey Monastery with support from the people of Thiksey village.

The closing session was graced by the presence of Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Leh, Tashi Gyalson as the chief guest along with MP Ladakh, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal as the guest of honor. Dy Chairman, LAHDC Leh, Tsering Angchuk; Vice President LBA, Chering Dorjey Lakrook, and Councillor Thiksey, LAHDC Leh, Stanzin Chosfail were the special guests during the occasion. Other guests included eminent scholar Ven. Thupstan Paldan, Director Shesrap Skyadtsal Ling Learning Centre Thiskey, Geshe Jamyang Tashi, Ven Venerable monks and nuns, Director IICE, Tashi Namgyal; village representatives led by Sarpanch Thiksey. Various other participants from different walks of life and the people of Thiksey village also attended the event at Nyarma today.

All the officials explored the entire architectural remains of the age-old Nyarma Institute guided by eminent scholar Ven. Thupstan Paldan who shared valuable insights into the historical significance of Nyarma Institute, established in the 11th Century A.D. by one of the renowned philosopher cum translator Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo. He also highlighted the world-famous Kashmiri Gandhara art style used at the institute, especially inside the major sections including that of Nalanda Master Atisha Dipamkara. Ven Paldan also termed Nyarma as a uniform center of philosophical studies back in the late 11th century bringing together scholars from diverse backgrounds.

While addressing the concluding ceremony, CEC Tashi Gyalson congratulated all the participants on the commemoration of the millennial anniversary of the historic Nyarma Institute. H’CEC lauded the efforts of the organisers in successfully organising the event at Nyarma, Thiksey. He stated that it is the collective responsibility of each and every citizen of Ladakh to preserve the age-old heritage and cultural traditions, terming few such are on the verge of extinction.

H’CEC also emphasised the Hill Council, Leh’s initiatives in allocating a separate budget in its annual plan with a ceiling of Rupees Two Lakhs on the disbursement of each and every Panchayats of Leh District for the preservation and renovation of ancient heritage sites. He also spoke of several deliberations being made till date on the preservation of the architectural remains of Nyarma Institute. He also assured continued assistance from the Hill Council, Leh in protecting important historical sites including the Nyarma Institute at Thiksey.

MP Ladakh, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal in his address highlighted the contributions of Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo in establishing various learning centers, and historically significant monasteries in Ladakh and the trans-Himalayan region, including the Nyarma Institute at Thiksey and the globally renowned Alchi monastery.

MP JTN referred to Nyarma as the ‘Nalanda of the Himalayas’ emphasising its role as the 1st University in Ladakh to continue the legacy of the historic Nalanda tradition of Philosophy dating back in the 11th century A.D. He emphasised the vital role of youths in learning the legacy of the significance in the context of the history of Ladakh. Highlighting the history of Nyarma Institute, H’MP urged everyone especially youths to explore and study in preserving the rich cultural and traditional heritage of Ladakh.

Dy Chairman Tsering Angchuk also addressed the gathering, highlighting the significance of Nyarma Institute in reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Ladakh. He stressed the need to encourage youths to explore and learn about the history of Ladakh especially at the school level. He appreciated the organisers for conducting such an important event commemorating 1000 years of Nyarma Institute in Ladakh.

Vice President LBA Cherring Dorjey Lakrook highlighted the importance of Nyarma as a center of learning in ancient times and spoke of the need to revive the age-old traditions along with the preservation of these important historical sites within Ladakh.

Councillor Thiksey also spoke on the occasion and expressed his gratitude to all the stakeholders involved in successfully organising the much-needed function at the Nyarma Institute site in Thiksey. He also thanked all the dignitaries for their gracious presence and valuable support till date.

Culture Officer, LAACL Leh, Dr. Thupstan Nurboo presented an overview on the commemoration of the 1000 years of Nyarma Institute. A book on the “Legacy of Nyarma” was also launched by the dignitaries during the event.

Earlier, Director IICE delivered the welcome address and later Sarpanch Thiksey presented the note of thanks. Renowned singer Dorjey Stakmo presented an auspicious folk song celebrating the significance of the millennial anniversary of Nyarma Institute. The guests and supporters were felicitated during the event.