Tibet-Himalayan Relations Conference voices concern over future of Buddhism in Ladakh

Experts call for greater research on Ladakh-Tibet historical links

LEH: The historical, cultural and religious linkages between Tibet and the Himalayan region came under focus at a day-long conference in Leh on Thursday, where scholars and community leaders called for renewed academic engagement with the shared legacy of the trans-Himalayan world while also voicing concern over contemporary challenges confronting Buddhism in Ladakh.

The conference on “Tibet-Himalayan Relations” was jointly organised by the Centre for Research on Ladakh, the Office of the Chief Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at Leh, the Regional Tibetan Women’s Association, Leh, the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, Leh, and the Tibet Policy Institute, Dharamshala.

Addressing the gathering, President of the Ladakh Buddhist Association, Tsering Dorje Lakruk, said Buddhism in Ladakh was passing through a critical phase and urged society to respond with greater seriousness to the challenges facing the community. He observed that demographic trends and changing social realities necessitated sustained efforts towards preserving the region’s Buddhist heritage and identity.

The deliberations brought together historians, scholars, monks and researchers who examined the centuries-old interactions that shaped the cultural landscape of Ladakh and neighbouring Himalayan regions.

In his welcome address, noted Ladakhi historian and researcher Nawang Tsering Shakspo traced the roots of Ladakh-Tibet relations to ancient times, arguing that the connections extended beyond religion to encompass political, cultural and civilisational exchanges. He said these ties could be traced to the reign of Nyathi Tsanpo, regarded as the first Tibetan king, and were subsequently reinforced through the emergence of rulers of Tibetan origin in Ladakh.

Shakspo noted that the establishment of the Ladakh kingdom under Pal gi mGon in the 10th century laid the foundation for enduring interactions between Ladakh and Tibet, influences of which continue to be reflected in the region’s cultural and religious traditions.

Drawing attention to a more recent chapter of history, he recalled the role played by Kushok Bakula Rinpoche in 1956 when he was entrusted by the Government of India with extending an invitation to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama for the 2500th Buddha Jayanti celebrations in New Delhi. The episode, he said, occupies an important place in the modern history of Buddhism in India and in the evolution of India-Tibet relations.

A highlight of the conference was the release of the 12th issue of the “Ladakh Review”, a research journal edited by Shakspo, by the chief guest. The publication is devoted to documenting and promoting scholarship on Ladakh’s history, culture and society.

Among those who addressed the conference were Dr Tsewang Dorje Jeshhong of the Tibet Policy Institute, Dharamshala, Dr Nawang Tsering, Geshe Takpa Kalsang, Gelong Thupstan Paldan, Kunga Dodhon, Dr Stanzin Mingyur, Dr Tsewang Dorje, Rev. E. Gergan and Dr Lhaskyab. The speakers explored various dimensions of Tibet-Himalayan relations, including historical exchanges, religious traditions, cultural continuity and contemporary challenges.

Presiding over the conference, renowned scholar of Buddhist philosophy and metaphysics Khenpo Lobzang Tsetan said the discussions had underscored the need for deeper research into the interconnected histories of the Himalayan region. He expressed hope that the conference would encourage fresh scholarship and open new avenues for the study of Ladakh’s cultural and historical linkages with Tibet and other Himalayan societies.

The conference concluded with participants emphasising the importance of preserving shared Himalayan heritage through research, documentation and greater academic collaboration, amid growing interest in the region’s historical and cultural trajectory.