Gangtok: November 18, 2011

The Karma Thupten Tashi Choling Monastery (Phodong Monastery) celebrated the commemoration of the first Karmapa Duesum Khempa, the supreme lineage holder of Buddha’s teaching on 17th November Iron-Rabbit year on the auspicious occasion of Lhabab Duechen.

The celebration had been jointly organized by the Karmapa Reception Committee (KRC) and Duchee, Phodong Gumpa. The occasion was being chaired by the Rajya Sabha MP OT Lepcha as the chief guest accompanied by Goshir Gyaltsap Rimpoche, Ven Lachen Gomchen Rimpoche including Ven Drikung Gyalse Rimpoche.

The Chultimpa, Phodong Monastery delivered the welcome speech and also informed about the importance of the day. Lined up as a part of the celebration were the recitation of Mangalacharan by the monks of Phodong Gumpa followed by the consecration ceremony of the statue with Rabney and also the special prayers were held by the monks and formal inauguration of the statue was done by the Goshir Gyaltsap Rimpoche.

The Chief Guest for the day, Rajya Sabha, MP OT Lepcha said that the state government has been giving their best effort and working effectively for bringing the Karmapa Ugyen Thinley Dorjee in Sikkim. MP informed that the official procedures have already been completed from the Home Ministry and also informed that now it will approach the Ministry of External Affairs.

MP also assured that He himself along with Lok Sabha MP will lead the delegation in the Home Ministry. Adding further, MP informed that, since Chief Minister is in Delhi as his health is not well but he has assured to meet the central government officials after his health gets well. Further, CM has sent his best wishes to all the people on the auspicious day, he added.

During the celebration, the General Secretary of KRC North, Karma Tshering Bhutia highlighted about the program whereas in his address, the President of KRC Chewang Lama informed about the KRC being formed only with a single agenda to bring the 17th Karmapa Ugen Thinley Dorjee to Sikkim and also added that the Karmapa is not only for Buddhism but also for the Sikkimese.

‘Since Sikkim being an Indian state why we have been treated as a step-motherly treatment by the Central Government’ stated the President. And also added that they will wait till three months now after which they will take another step for the noble cause. Likewise, KT Bhutia from Ralang Duchee also spoke on the issue. “We have placed our genuine single demand to the centre from the past many years” he added.
The Area MLA cum PHE Minister, TT Bhutia who was also present urged the people to be united and said that the government is with the KRC to extend help in each and every step. The Minister also appealed the Chairperson for Minority Commission to raise the issue with the KRC members in Delhi.

The meeting was also addressed by the Chairperson for Commission for Minority, Spalzes Angmo, where she informed that the Central Government is ready to send Karmapa to Sikkim and also informed that the public and the government including the Chief Minister should approach with the Central Government, even more. She further added that, if the people wish then no one can stop him from coming to Sikkim.

The celebration also had the Mendal Offering on the behalf of the Phodong Gumpa and the other dignitaries. . The statue of the first Karmapa Duesum Khempa had been installed by Goshir Gyaltsap Rimpoche.
Goshir Gyaltsap Rimpoche briefed on account of the occasion and delivered “Kawang” of “Buddha Amitatyu” for public initiation for their well being.The celebration was also attended by the Area MLA cum PHE Minister, TTBhutia, former Chief minister Nar Bahadur Bhandari, former MP KarmaTopden, Sangha MLA Pheetuk Tshering Lama, government officials,monks from across the monastery of the state and devotees.

Sikkim Mail

 

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