Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday joined the Buddhist community of Tuting subdivision in Upper Siang district of the State in celebrating Losar festival at the Ngesang Do-Ngag Jangchup Dargyelling Nyingmapa monastery in Tuting.
This was stated in an official press release.
The celebration began with the release of lungtah (balloons) by the monastery’s abbot Khen Rinpoche Tsering Dorjee, the Chief Minister, and other guests.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Khandu said, “Tuting displays the true rich cultural heritage of Arunachal with its diverse languages and cultures. The subdivision also reflects the spirit of unity in diversity with five tribes coexisting peacefully for generations.”
Responding to a memorandum submitted by the Chime Yansang Pema Kod Welfare Society of Tuting, the Chief Minister promised to sanction fund for construction of a Buddha park and a Buddha statue under the Swadesh Darshan scheme.
“If the project does not qualify to be funded under Swadesh Darshan, fund will be made available from the state’s own resources,” he asserted.
For further development of tourism and cultural infrastructure in the area, the Chief Minister assured to send a consultant to work out a plan for the development of the ‘Buddhist circuit’.
Khandu also informed that funds have been sanctioned to meet the locals’ demand for a sub-treasury office, a tourist lodge, and a protection wall for the ADC office here.
Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated the welcome gate of Tuting monastery, visited the monastery, and lit the lamp to invoke the blessings of the Almighty.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, state BJP president Tapir Gao, State Health Minister Alo Libang, Mechuka MLA Pasang Dorjee Sona, and Mariyang MLA Olom Panyang attended the celebration, among others.
