Delhi, 12^th December 2018 : Two Day workshop upon the Preservation and Promotion of Sowarigpa being organized by National Research Institute for Sowarigpa Leh in collaboration with Himalaya Buddhist Cultural Association, Delhi concluded with Valedictory Session attended by Shri.Choekyong Wangchuk, Health Kalon, Department of Health, CTA; as Chief Guest along with other dignitories including Shri.Franklin L.Khobung, Director and Shri.D.C.Katoch, Advisor (Ayurveda), both representing Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India;  Shri.Tashi Denspa, Director, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Sikkim; Shri.Maling Gambu, National Secretary, Himalaya Buddhist Cultural Association, Arunachal Pradesh.

The session began with presentation of traditional scarves by Dr.Padma Gurmet, Officer in-charge of National Research Institute for Sowarigpa, Leh and welcome address by Ven.Lama Chosphel Zotpa, National President, Himalaya Buddhist Cultural Association.

Shri.Maling Gambu, in his address, recall upon the effort of streamlining Sowarigpa learning that was initiated long time back since 2002 when Ven.Lama Chosphel Zotpa was Vice Chairman of National Comission of Schedule Caste and Schedule Tribe, Govt. of India. He highlighted that Sowarigpa tradition of learning being supported by Government of India could lead to more opportunities of Jobs for youth in the Himalayan belt ensuring more sustainability of Sowarigpa knowledge.

Dr.D.C.Katoch stated that the inclusion of Sowarigpa in AYUSH Ministry reaffirms the enhancement of its learning rather being seen as administratively shrinked. He, further commended upon the 12 point draft resolution of 2 Day event which may be helpful in designing the road map for the strengthening of this knowledge. He re-emphasized upon the availability of compiling a composite list of medicinal plants/herbs, that are immensely significant for greater indepth of its learning and realization.

Shri.Choekyong Wangchuk began his address by expressing greeting and gratitude for inviting at this scholarlistic approach of learning the different perspectives of Sowarigpa learning. He remarked that Sowarigpa learning doesn’t imply only to be a medium of finding livelihood sources but denotes that this tradition of learning needs to be understood in terms of serving larger mankind purifying bad elements and creating positive energy. He referred to the advise of His Holiness the Dalai Lama that contemporary treatment of ailments are generally seen as cure but indeed it is necessary to focus more upon the prevention part which seldom happens.

He also lauded the effort of bringing the draft resolution of this event that may contribute in understanding the issues of upbringing more creativities in the learning of Sowarigpa. He even stated that he can’t remain ignorant of what is being initiated in sustaining this practice as he always engage in more of such discussions and deliberations particularly with the members of Central Council of Tibetan Medicine.

While thanking AYUSH Ministry for its continuous support in ensuring more effectiveness and enthusiasm in drawing the knowledge of Sowarigpa he emphasized the need of indepth research, constructive interaction amongst all the stakeholders and uniform outcome that may lead to the higher standards of its learning and practice.

Finally, the workshop witnessed the conclusion with the thanks giving note by Dr.Padma Gurmet.