Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, July 28: One of the foremost Ladakhi Buddhist leaders, the 9th Thiksey Rinpoche, Venerable Ngawang Jamyang Chamba Stanzin, has generously donated 63 kanals (approximately 7.8 acres) of land in Nang, near Thiksey Monastery in Union Territory of Ladakh, for the construction of homes for Tibetan families.
The donation is aimed at supporting Tibetan nomads from the remote Chumur settlement of Jangthang region as well as Tibetan residents in Leh who lack permanent housing.
A high-level delegation from the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), led by President Penpa Tsering—who also serves as Minister of Home—visited Thiksey Rinpoche on Thursday to formally express their gratitude. The visit included a private audience with Rinpoche, consecration of the land, a site visit with members of the Chumur nomadic community, and a public thank-you event at the Sonamling Tibetan community hall in Leh where the Department of Home presented Rinpoche with a citation and souvenirs in recognition of his contribution.
Speaking with Phayul, Chief Representative Officer (CRO) of Ladakh, Tashi Dhondup, explained that the process began shortly after he took office in February. “In March, I had an audience with Kyabje Thiksey Rinpoche and spoke about the challenges faced by the people of Chumur. Rinpoche immediately responded by offering 25 kanals of land specifically for the Chumur Tibetans and asked us to return later with the paperwork,” said the CRO.
When the CRO’s office returned in April with the formal documents, they also requested land for Tibetan families in Leh who do not have permanent housing. Rinpoche agreed and generously added another 25 kanals, allocating the first 25 kanals for the people of Chumur and the second 25 for those in Leh.
During the CTA delegation’s recent visit, Rinpoche further expanded his donation by adding 13 more kanals, bringing the total to 63 kanals. The CRO’s office has collected the names of Tibetan families in Leh without permanent homes. The Department of Home, CTA, will oversee the screening process, and preparations to demarcate the land are underway. Construction is expected to take time, but the groundwork has begun. “Thiksey Rinpoche has always stood by the Tibetan cause in every way he can,” Tashi Dhondup emphasised.
At the public event in Sonamling, President Penpa Tsering highlighted Thiksey Rinpoche’s longstanding commitment to the broader community. “This generous support extends beyond the Tibetan community. Kushok Thiksey has long been a spiritual pillar of Ladakh and continues to support all communities, including Muslims,” he said. He praised Rinpoche’s consistent commitment to the vision and values of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Reflecting on the past, Thiksey Rinpoche recalled how the Himalayan Buddhist community once benefited from the kindness of the Dalai Lama during their studies in Lhasa, before the Chinese occupation of Tibet. “It is now our moral responsibility to support the Tibetan people,” he said. “As His Holiness nears the age of 90, this donation is a small way to honour his compassion and leadership.”
Reaffirming his spiritual devotion, Rinpoche added, “For me, His Holiness is my root guru. I have always been, and will always remain, committed to his guidance until my last breath.”
