LG Ladakh visits Hemis Monastery, Maitri Geriatric Home on New Year 2026 UT Administration to bring Sacred Buddha Relics to Ladakh for Public Darshan.

LG Ladakh visits Hemis Monastery, Maitri Geriatric Home on New Year 2026 UT Administration to bring Sacred Buddha Relics to Ladakh for Public Darshan: LG Kavinder Gupta Say Govt committed to preservation and holistic development of ancient monasteries Emphasises UT Govt’s commitment for welfare of senior citizens LG urges youth to learn from senior citizens, foster compassionate society.
Leh, January 1, 2026: On the auspicious beginning of New Year 2026, the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, today visited the iconic Hemis Monastery and the Maitri Geriatric Home at the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC), Devachan Campus, Choglamsar. The visit was marked by prayers, interaction with senior citizens, and a message of peace, compassion and inclusive development.
At Hemis Monastery, founded in 1630 by Staktsang Raspa Nawang Gyatso, Shri Kavinder Gupta was warmly welcomed by Head Abbot/Chakzot Ven. Nawang Jigmet and Secretary Dr. Ishey Namgyal. He visited the Shrine rooms and sought blessings.
Dr. Namgyal and Chakzot briefed him on the monastery headed by His Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa, an environmentalist leading Naropa Fellowship, Druk Padma Karpo School, and Live to Rescue Animal Shelter initiatives in Ladakh. He sought intervention of Lt Governor for constructing a Sarai in Srinagar exclusively for Ladakh patients on the land possessed by Hemis monastery.
At Hemis Monastery, the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor offered prayers and sought blessings for peace, prosperity and the overall development of Ladakh and its people. Interacting with the monks and devotees, he highlighted Ladakh’s rich spiritual heritage and its role in promoting harmony, mindfulness and universal human values.
The Lieutenant Governor stated that the UT Administration is making sincere efforts to bring the sacred Buddha Relics to Ladakh for public Darshan, enabling devotees and people from across the region to receive spiritual inspiration and strengthen Ladakh’s identity as a global centre of Buddhism and peace. He said such an initiative would not only have deep spiritual significance but would also promote cultural tourism and inter-faith understanding.
The Lt Governor further said that the UT Administration is firmly committed to the preservation, protection and holistic development of ancient monasteries, ensuring conservation of their rich heritage, promotion of traditional art and architecture, and safeguarding these spiritual institutions for future generations.
Later, the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor visited the Maitri Geriatric Home, home to 40 elderly from across Ladakh receiving care, food, and free medical treatment.
Ven. Sanghasena, MIMC Founder, apprised of UT Administration’s proposal to jointly operate a 50-capacity old age home at Saboo funded by Ministry of Social Justice, requesting heating and drinking water facilities. He also presented the Lieutenant Governor with a copy of Bhagwad Gita.
The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor spent time with the inmates and celebrated the New Year with senior citizens. He interacted warmly with the elderly residents, extended New Year greetings, and appreciated the selfless service rendered by the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre in caring for senior citizens with dignity, compassion and love.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Kavinder Gupta said that senior citizens are the foundation of society, carrying wisdom, values and life experiences that guide future generations. He reiterated the commitment of the UT Administration to ensure the welfare, healthcare, social security and respect of the elderly.
The Lieutenant Governor also appealed to the youth of Ladakh to spend time with senior citizens, learn from their experiences, and contribute towards building a compassionate and inclusive society. He also distributed blankets and fruits among the inmates of the old age home, and thanked the caretakers for their selfless service.
Administrative Secretary Shashanka Ala briefed the Lt Governor about the construction of the 50-capacity old age home by the Social Welfare Department at Saboo and proposed operating the old age home jointly with MIMC for better effectiveness.
Among those present during the Lt Governor’s visit to the Maitri Geriatric Home were Administrative Secretary Shashanka Ala, Director, Social Welfare Department, Kunzes Angmo; officials from Department of Social Welfare and Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre.