Experts, practitioners and stakeholders from across India deliberate on future, institutional growth and challenges of traditional system
LEH: The National Workshop on the ‘Scope and Challenges of Sowa Rigpa Post-Recognition’ commenced on Tuesday at the New Academic Building of the National Institute of Sowa Rigpa (NISR), Saboothang, Leh, bringing together experts, scholars, administrators, practitioners and stakeholders from across the country to deliberate on the future course of the traditional system following its formal recognition.
Organised by NISR, Leh, the three-day national workshop, being held from September 22 to 24, seeks to examine the contemporary status of Sowa Rigpa, regional practices and perspectives, institutional development, emerging opportunities and challenges confronting the system in the post-recognition era.
The inaugural session began with the arrival of the Chief Guest and Guests of Honour, followed by the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp and recitation of “Yuthok Soldep”. The welcome address was delivered by Dr Tsering Thakchoe Drungtso, Professor, NISR, Leh.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Padma Gurmet, Director, NISR, Leh, highlighted the importance of collective deliberation and institutional efforts for the systematic development and preservation of Sowa Rigpa in the changing regulatory and healthcare landscape.
The inaugural programme also featured addresses by Sanjeev Ji, National Executive Member, Arogya Bharati; Dr Tashi Thinlas, Director of Health Services and Health & Medical Education/AYUSH, UT Ladakh; and Dr Ala Narayana, former DDG, Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Delhi.
Chief Guest Khyabje Urgyan Rinpoche, Chairman, Avalokiteshvara Temple, Shey, addressed the gathering and spoke on the significance and continued development of Sowa Rigpa. Advising young Sowa Rigpa practitioners, he emphasised the importance of retaining kind-heartedness while pursuing the practice and development of the traditional medical system.
The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr Tenzin Wangdak, Assistant Professor, NISR, Leh, followed by high tea.
The workshop has brought together Sowa Rigpa practitioners and representatives from Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, providing a platform for exchange of diverse regional experiences and perspectives on the practice, preservation and development of the traditional system.
Following the inaugural programme, technical sessions commenced with experts and practitioners sharing their views and experiences on various aspects of Sowa Rigpa. The discussions focused on contemporary practice, preservation of traditional knowledge, institutional strengthening, development and the emerging scope of Sowa Rigpa, while also examining challenges arising in the post-recognition phase.
The workshop will continue on September 23 and 24 with further technical sessions and deliberations, bringing together participants from different parts of the country to exchange knowledge and perspectives on the future direction of Sowa Rigpa.
