NA Chair lauds Drukpa community's contributions to environmental conservation

Kathmandu, Dec 28: National Assembly (NA) Chairperson Narayan Prasad Dahal commended the Drukpa community's efforts towards promotion of greenery and sustainable usage of natural resources amidst climate change and environmental crisis.     

Addressing the 10th anniversary of the Drukpa Council at the Druk Amitabha Mountain (popularly known as the White Gumba) here today, NA Chairperson Dahal assessed that the practice of religious tolerance, inner peace and humanitarian values exercised and propagated by this community had made a positive impact globally.     

The Drukpa lineage is a Buddhist sect believed to be founded some 800 years ago.     

"For a mountainous country like Nepal, such campaigns are of paramount importance," Dahal acknowledged, noting that 'active' participation of this community in fostering gender equality, eco-friendly physical activities and lifestyle, sanitation drive and philanthropic initiatives.     

He recognized the annual Council, which has entered in its 10th year, as a celebration of a rich legacy of the Drukpa community.     

Moreover, Dahal viewed the Council as a platform for uniting people across diverse backgrounds and promoting the message of the world peace, tolerance and compassion.     

The NA Chairperson expressed his confidence that the Council will provide a guideline to the Drukpa community for its future endeavors and believed that the Council would be successful in offering practical solutions to address the challengers of the modern society besides promoting spiritual education and activities.     

Similarly, Bhutanese Minister for Home Affairs Lyonpo Tshering appreciated the Council's efforts towards environmental conservation, tree plantation and raising environmental awareness.     

Likewise, Nepal Buddhist Association's Chairperson Khenpo Thupten Jigdol was all praises of the Drukpa community's exemplary works for the welfare of all sentient beings.     

The inaugural of the Council was marked by Drum performances (Nga Cham) and welcome dance by nuns of the Drukpa community and Dragon Dance by the monks from Vietnam.     

On the occasion, an informative video about Drukpa community's lineage, their journeys and yogis and Gurus was shown.     

The five-day-long event will feature exchange of spiritual teachings as well as workshops on self-defense and sustainable lifestyle among others.     

The spiritual leaders will offer discourses on wide range of issues surrounding religion, charity and environmental and ethical practices.     

Today's inaugural alone witnessed participation of over 3,000 participants including Drukpa community's religious Guru Gyalwang Drukpa Ringpoche, members from the Bhutanese Royal Family and their relatives, Drukpa communities' followers from across the globe, according the organizer.(RSS)