CIBS Leh hosts Seminar on preservation and promotion of Bhoti Language and Himalayan Buddhist Culture

Experts call for Research, Technology to preserve Bhoti Language

LEH: The need to preserve and promote the Bhoti language through research, education and modern technology came into focus at a two-day national seminar organised by the Department of Bhoti Language and Literature at the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS), Leh, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR).

The seminar, on the theme “The History of the Bhoti Language and Its Role in the Preservation and Promotion of Himalayan Buddhist Culture”, began at Arya Nagarjuna Auditorium on Monday and will conclude on September 8.

The inaugural session was attended by H.E. Skyabje Urgain Rinpoche, who was the chief guest, and Tsering Dorje, President, Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA), Leh, as guest of honour, besides scholars, faculty members, research scholars, students and other participants.

Opening the programme, Dr Tsewang Yangjor, Head of the Organising Committee, delivered the welcome address, while Professor Redo Sange presented the keynote address on the seminar’s central theme.

Speakers at the inaugural session underlined the role of Bhoti in preserving the region’s linguistic, literary and Buddhist heritage. Dr Geshe Lobsang Ngodup and Professor Lobzang Tsewang also addressed the gathering, stressing the need for sustained efforts to preserve and promote the language.

A book titled “Lingbü Drayang”, authored by Dr Tsewang Yangjor, was released during the inaugural programme.

The CIBS Vice-Chancellor also addressed the gathering and felicitated the chief guest, guest of honour and other dignitaries with Thangka and Khatak as gestures of respect.

Tsering Dorje called for greater institutional support for Bhoti and suggested that the seminar conclude with a resolution seeking the creation of posts for Bhoti teachers from the UT Ladakh Administration.

Skyabje Urgain Rinpoche appreciated CIBS and the organising committee for conducting seminars on the subject and stressed the need for further research and the use of modern technology in preserving and promoting Bhoti.

The academic sessions subsequently examined the language from historical, literary and contemporary perspectives.

The first session, chaired by Professor Dr Lobzang Tsewang, featured four research papers. Dr Tashi Tsering spoke on translation and its various dimensions, while Dr Tsewang Gyaltsan presented a study on the origin and development of Bhoti in the Himalayan region.

Khanpo Konchok Namthak examined the role of Bhoti in understanding ancient Buddhist scriptures, while Geshe Lobzang Ngodup presented a study on the root commentary on the eight subjects.

The second session, chaired by Professor Tashi Tsering, focused on the relationship between language and culture, the continuity of Bhoti in the 21st century and its future prospects. Ven Thupstan Paldan, Rev Sonam Paljor and Geshe Lamchung Tsering presented papers on the respective themes.

Both sessions were followed by question-and-answer discussions involving scholars and students, allowing participants to engage with the speakers on issues concerning the preservation, continuity and future development of Bhoti. The inaugural programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Tsering Choldan, Deputy Registrar, followed by the National Song and National Anthem.