Union Minister Ramdas Athawale Backs Proposal for Buddhist University in Ladakh at BSI State-Level Meeting.

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale Backs Proposal for Buddhist University in Ladakh at BSI State-Level Meeting.
Leh, July 5, 2026: The Buddhist Society of India (BSI), Ladakh State Branch, successfully held its State-Level Committee Meeting at the Community Hall, Yangtse Yar Gya Tsogspa, Chubi Katpa, Leh, under the chief guestship of Shri Ramdas Athawale, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Chandrabhan (Modi) Patil, Trustee Chairman of the Buddhist Society of India.
The meeting was attended by Shri Rattan Somkuwar, National Trustee and President of the Buddhist Society of India; Shri Tsering Dorjey Lakruk, President of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (Leh); Shri Tsering Samphel, Trustee of the Buddhist Society of India; Shri Rigzin Spalbar, Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Leh; along with cabinet members, monks, scholars, Namberdars, social activists and members of the public.
The programme commenced with the formal submission of a memorandum by the Buddhist Society of India and representatives of Buddhist organisations to Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Ramdas Athawale, urging the Government of India to establish a Buddhist University in Ladakh and strengthen Buddhist educational and cultural institutions in the region. The memorandum highlighted Ladakh’s immense historical and spiritual significance as a centre of Buddhist learning and expressed the collective aspiration of the Buddhist community to preserve and promote its rich heritage for future generations.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Ramdas Athawale recalled the historic contribution of Bharat Ratna Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who established the Buddhist Society of India in 1954 to propagate the teachings of Lord Buddha and promote equality, peace and social justice. He expressed happiness at witnessing the unity and commitment of the Buddhist community in Ladakh and appreciated the efforts of the BSI Ladakh State Branch in strengthening Buddhist values in the region.
The Union Minister highlighted the Government of India’s continued efforts under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to promote India’s Buddhist heritage globally. He said Buddhism represents India’s enduring values of peace, compassion and harmony and serves as one of the country’s strongest cultural links with the world.
his previous visits to Ladakh, he praised the work being carried out by Buddhist monasteries and institutions in preserving the region’s rich spiritual heritage.
Responding to the memorandum submitted by the Buddhist Society of India and Buddhist organisations of Ladakh, Shri Athawale assured all possible support for the proposal to establish a Buddhist University in Ladakh. He acknowledged Ladakh’s immense historical and cultural significance as a centre of Buddhist learning and said he would take up the matter with the concerned authorities.
Former Chief Executive Councillor Shri Rigzin Spalbar welcomed the Union Minister and urged the Government of India to establish a Buddhist University in Ladakh on the lines of the ancient Nalanda and Takshashila universities. He said such an institution would preserve Ladakh’s rich Buddhist heritage, promote higher learning and research, and establish the region as an international centre for Buddhist studies.
National Trustee and President of the Buddhist Society of India, Shri Rattan Somkuwar, reiterated that the Society, founded by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, continues to work for the propagation of Lord Buddha’s teachings throughout the country. He appreciated the efforts of the Ladakh State Branch and expressed confidence that the proposed university would become a landmark institution for Buddhist education and philosophy.
Trustee Shri Tsering Samphel appreciated the initiatives of the Ladakh unit and expressed hope that more national-level programmes of the Society would be organised in Ladakh in the future to strengthen coordination among Buddhist organisations.
Representatives of the Buddhist Sangha paid tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar for his historic role in reviving Buddhism in India and observed that Buddhist values of compassion, peace and wisdom are increasingly relevant in today’s world. They expressed gratitude to the Union Minister for visiting Ladakh despite his busy schedule and for assuring support to the community’s long-standing aspirations.
Shri Tsering Dorjey Lakruk, President of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (Leh), also welcomed the visiting dignitaries and appealed for the early establishment of the proposed Buddhist University in Ladakh.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Chandrabhan (Modi) Patil highlighted the Buddhist Society of India’s commitment to uniting Buddhist communities and promoting the teachings of Lord Buddha and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. He urged everyone to work collectively for the preservation and promotion of Buddhist heritage and values.
Thanks & Regards,
Department of Information & Public Relations,
UT Ladakh