Ladakh Buddhist Association organized a one-day seminar on the Preservation and Promotion of the Bhoti Language at Chokhang Vihara Leh.

LADAKH : 2 June This seminar was organized to create awareness about the language and its rich cultural heritage among the upcoming future generation.

Representatives from all religious organizations addressed the gathering and spoke about the origin of the Bhoti language and the struggle of Ladakhi people to include it in the 8th schedule of the Indian Constitution.

All the representatives of the religious organization like LBA, Anjuman Immamia, Anjuman Moin-Ul- Islam and the Christian Association unanimously stated that “Bhoti” is our cultural identity and that everyone should in one word press for “Bhoti” be included in the constitution and that it should only be called “Bhoti”.

Speaking at the event, LBA President Thupstan Chhewang also gave his insight on the importance of the Bhoti language and literature in the modern world. He added the importance of the inclusion of the Bhoti language in the 8th schedule of the Indian constitution. It is the responsibility of each one of us to contribute to the preservation and promotion of the Bhoti language, he said. He also urged the students to learn and use the Bhoti language in their everyday life. He further talked about the history and origin of the Bhoti language and asked people not to associate language with religion.

CEC, Tashi Gyalson, congratulated LBA for organizing such a seminar and appreciated MP, Ladakh Jamyang Tsering Namgyal for introducing a Private Member Bill in Lok sabha on April 1 2022 to include Bhoti Language in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution. He also stated that the Hill Council has also passed resolutions on the inclusion of the Bhoti language into the 8th schedule. CEC, Gyalson further stresses the fact that from 2022 onwards 1st April is being celebrated as Bhoti Day across Leh Ladakh and added that the Bhoti language is a rich treasure having a kaleidoscopic identity of society,

the sign of respect, a reflection of history, culture of Himalaya, a system of governance and symbiotic relation with ecology, etc which has a more than a dictionary connotation on language as a system of communication of speech and writing or the system of sounds and writing those human beings use to express their thoughts, ideas, and feelings. He emphasizes the importance of the Bhoti language and its significance for developing the culture and tradition of Ladakh.

He stresses Bhoti is a language, which represents our culture, history, connecting factors, etc. He appreciated Bhoti Scholars for their efforts in conserving and protecting our heritage and also for reviving the Bhoti language among youth. CEC also informed the audience that Hill Council is contributing in every possible way to preserving our native language.

The program started with the formal welcome address by, the Chairman of Culture and Language Committee LBA Dr. Urgyan Dadul, and Prof. Jamyang Gyalson also spoke on the occasion.

The event was graced by H.E. Chosphel Rinpoche; Venerable monks and nuns; the President of Ladakh Buddhist Association; Vice-President Ladakh Buddhist Association; Vice-President of Ladakh Gonpa Association, Leh; the President Moin-Ul-Islam, Leh; the President Christian Association Leh, President LBA women Wing; President, Women Wing Anjuman-E-Imamia, Leh; President, women Wing Anjuman-Moin-Ul-Islam Leh; students from various schools and other concerned officials.