Marking the 108th birth anniversary of the 19th Gyalsras Bakula Rinpoche, revered as the architect of modern Ladakh, Kiren Rijiju, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, unveiled a statue and inaugurated the Bakula Rinpoche Memorial Park on May 19 in Leh.

Speaking on the occasion, Kiren Rijiju expressed his deep sense of honor in being part of the event, stating that although he had visited Ladakh before, this particular visit would remain etched in his memory.

“Some individuals leave behind a legacy that stands the test of time, and Kushok Bakula Rinpoche was one such soul,” said Rijiju. He emphasized Rinpoche’s lifelong dedication to the upliftment of marginalized communities, despite his own royal lineage.

The minister also highlighted Rinpoche’s contributions as India’s Ambassador to Mongolia, particularly his pivotal role in the revival of Buddhism in the country. Rijiju shared how, during a recent visit to Mongolia with the relics of Lord Buddha, he witnessed the immense reverence still held for Rinpoche.

“The exceptional hospitality and warmth extended to us in Mongolia was a direct reflection of the deep respect earned by Rinpoche’s efforts,” he said, adding that Mongolia had honored him with its highest civilian award.

Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh, Brig (Dr) B.D. Mishra (Retd), praised Rinpoche’s unparalleled contributions, stating, “There is hardly any sphere of life in Ladakh untouched by his efforts.” He made special mention of Rinpoche’s role in safeguarding Ladakh during the 1948 Pakistani aggression, affirming that his legacy would remain eternally relevant.

Ambassador of Mongolia to India, Dambojay Gambold, also addressed the gathering and delivered a message from the President of Mongolia. He spoke of the ancient cultural and religious bonds between India and Mongolia, acknowledging that the tireless efforts of visionaries like Bakula Rinpoche had helped preserve and strengthen these ties for future generations.

CEC Tashi Gyalson thanked Minister Rijiju for attending the unveiling and recognizing its significance. Speaking about Rinpochey’s unparalleled service to the region, he said, “His contributions are immeasurable. He was the torchbearer for Union Territory status and Scheduled Tribe status for Ladakh. He worked tirelessly for the welfare, education, and rights of Scheduled Castes and Tribes across India.”

He added, “The Ladakh we live in today owes much to Rinpoche’s vision and dedication. This statue is a tribute, a reminder to every Ladakhi of his legacy.”

As a tribute, a plantation drive was organized to mark the occasion, along with the release of a book titled "Kushok Bakula Rinpoche: The Architect of Modern Ladakh – Life and Times."

Legacy of Kushok Bakula Rinpoche

Kushok Bakula Rinpoche was a revered Buddhist monk, visionary statesman, and social reformer who played a pivotal role in shaping modern Ladakh. Born into the royal family of Ladakh and recognized early as a reincarnate lama, he committed his life to the Mahayana Buddhist path and the service of humanity.

A key figure in Ladakh’s defense during the 1948 Pakistani invasion, Rinpoche was called into public service by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. He became a champion for Ladakh’s development and security, and a relentless advocate for Union Territory status and Scheduled Tribe recognition for the region.

He served as a minister in the Jammu and Kashmir Government and as a Member of Parliament, dedicating his efforts to eradicating poverty, illiteracy, and social inequality. His vision led to significant progress in education, healthcare, and infrastructure in Ladakh.

Appointed as India’s Ambassador to Mongolia in 1990, Rinpoche served for over a decade, guiding the country’s peaceful transition from communism to democracy. He played a key role in reviving Buddhism in Mongolia and parts of Russia and was deeply involved in interfaith dialogue and environmental conservation.

He was a founding member of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace (ABCP) and the UK-based Alliance of Religion and Conservation (ARC). In recognition of his life’s work, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1988 and Mongolia’s highest civilian honor, the Polar Star, in 2001.

Despite his global influence and achievements, Kushok Bakula Rinpoche remained a humble monk, fully devoted to the Bodhisattva ideal. His legacy continues to inspire generations and lives on in the peaceful, progressive society he helped build.