Celebration of a Decade of Compassionate Animal Welfare and world animal day.

Celebration of a Decade of Compassionate Animal Welfare and world animal day.
Leh, Oct 5:The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, marked a significant milestone on World Animal Day by celebrating ten years of transformative work by the Live to Rescue Centre ON Oct 4.
The event was graced by Hon’ble Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) Adv. Tashi Gyalson as the chief guest, along with His Eminence Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche, His Eminence Choskyong Palga Rinpoche; His Eminence Drupon Khamtak Rinpoche; Founder President and Spiritual Director, Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena; Hon’ble Executive Councillor for RDD, Tashi Namgyal Yakzee, served as the guest of honor; Hon’ble Executive Councillor for Culture, Stanzin Chosphel, DC/CEO LAHDC, Leh, Santosh Sukhadeve, SSP Leh Shruti Arora; Hon’ble Councillors of different constituencies and various other dignitaries.
H’CEC along with the dignitaries inaugurated the newly built visitor centre, a facility designed to enhance public engagement and education about animal welfare. Following the inauguration, attendees were shown a documentary titled “Live to Rescue: A Decade of Impact,” presented by former YDA Leh President Rinchen Wachar. The film provided an in depth look at the organization’s unwavering dedication to animal welfare, showcasing the countless lives it has touched over the past decade. Rinchen spoke passionately about the transformative impact of the center, emphasizing the importance of community support in achieving its goals.
Guests were then escorted on a guided tour of the animal center by Project Coordinator Rigzen Dorjey. During the tour, Rigzen shared insights into the facilities and their ongoing operations, highlighting the various rescue and rehabilitation efforts undertaken by the team.
In his welcome speech, Rigzen reflected on the achievements of Live to Rescue over the last ten years, expressing gratitude for the community’s support and the hard work of all involved. He noted that the center has become a beacon of hope for countless animals and has significantly contributed to the welfare of stray animals in the region.
Cultural performances by the Women Wing of YDA Leh added vibrancy to the event, with modern Ladakhi songs followed by an Eastern Ladakh dance performance, celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage.
During the appreciation ceremony, Hon’ble CEC Tashi Gyalson; His Eminence Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche ; DC Santosh Sukhadeve presented certificates and mementos to key contributors, acknowledging their tireless efforts in animal welfare.
Dr. Stanzin Rabgais, the Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, delivered a compelling speech on the necessity of effective population control measures through spay neuter programs and vaccination drives. He stressed that such initiatives are essential not only for managing stray dog populations but also for reducing human-dog conflicts in the community. Dr. Rabgais asserted, “It is our responsibility to ensure that our animal population is healthy and that they coexist peacefully with humans. Our approach must be sustainable and compassionate.”
Hon’ble Executive Councillor Tashi Yakzee spoke passionately about the moral obligation to protect stray animals and prevent cruelty.
DC/CEO Santosh Sukhadeve emphasized the importance of community collaboration, stating that the administration alone cannot achieve significant progress. He expressed appreciation for everyone involved in this movement, highlighting the collective effort that makes real change possible.
His Eminence Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche reflected on the Buddhist principles of compassion and kindness, emphasizing that caring for all beings is a fundamental aspect of our spiritual journey. He highlighted our intrinsic connection to animals and how much we relate to them in our daily lives. Rinpoche expressed gratitude to everyone involved in supporting animal welfare and rescue missions, urging people to contribute to this vital cause. He also thanked the Grand Dragon for generously providing leftover food for the animals.
In his closing remarks, Hon’ble CEC Tashi Gyalson extended heartfelt congratulations on the 10th anniversary of Live to Rescue and World Animal Day. He recognized the vital contributions of community members whose support and vision were instrumental in establishing the Live to Rescue Centre in 2014. CEC Gyalson praised Skyabgon Drukpa Rinpoche for his unwavering efforts across various fields, including education, environmental protection, and animal rescue. He highlighted that without the establishment of Live to Rescue in 2014, Leh would have faced a significant crisis regarding the care of abandoned and injured animals. Additionally, he reiterated the importance of civil participation, echoing the earlier sentiments expressed by the DC, emphasizing that community involvement is essential alongside administrative support to ensure continued success in these initiatives.