The
footprints of the past
The
foggy weather in the city beautiful (Chandigarh) restraining me
from moving outside of my small cozy but shabbily organized room.
The hole in the window glass welcomes the cruel wind which harshly
intruded my room like a militant. The cold wind is piercing like
a needle, which makes me shivering. The behaviour of the cold in
the plains is quite unpredictable. With a Nescafe black coffee I
was contemplating on the present Ladakh situation. The presence
is the baby of the past; like the future is going to be the baby
of the presence. Today where we are and what we have is the legacy
of our great ancestors. Many of us might not have seen our great
grand parents; many of us might not know their names but our existence
shows that we had a past and its continuity. Similarly in making
of a community there must be some people whose contributions has
shaped the future of the people and the land. I was thinking about
the great Ladakhis who were the architect of Ladakh’s destiny,
more precisely post India independence period. Many great personalities
have occupied my mind with their worthy contributions and sacrifices.
One important name frequently coming to my mind was none other than
Bakula Rinpochay.
Over the last two decades Ladakh have witnessed unprecedented changes
in every aspects of life. Generational communication gap and cultural
lag have evolved to be major social problems in the present Ladakh.
Today Ladakhi youth are familiar with American history, European
history, but many of our youth are ignorant about the history of
Ladakh. We have our own history and it has its own hills and the
valleys. I think it is good to know about other histories and cultures
but not at the cost of one’s own. If we look at the history
of Ladakh we may find many solutions to the modern problems. We
may find many leaders who can be the role models for the modern
youth. The indigenous wisdom, technology, skills and people have
not been given due recognition and respect. They have been ignored
and alienated from the mainstream development. Time and again they
were considered as an obstacle for development or so called modernization.
As a tipping point I would like to share my little understanding
about a great personality with my friends who are curious to know
about our own past. It is important to know the past if we want
to move forward.
The captain of the ship, the shaper of the destiny, the architect
of social, spiritual and political consciousness, the bestower of
knowledge and wisdom, the guardian of all Ladakhis who is none other
than Bakula Rinpochay; today Rinpchay is no more with us physically
but the footprints of his vision, commitment and contributions is
clearly visible like the fortune lines on the palms. His role was
not confining to conventional spiritual leader, he actively participated
in various social, political and economic reforms in Ladakh. After
Indian independence in 1949 Nehru had consciously selected Bakula
Rinpochay to represent Ladakh in the Indian political system. Nehru
with his immaculate diplomatic skills had convinced the Rinpochay
about the significance of his participation in Politics for the
welfare and development of Ladakh. It reflects Nehru’s vision
and understanding of the people and culture, a community which has
high regards for spiritual leaders. His long innings in the Indian
politics have mutually benefited both the India as a nation and
Ladakh as a region. In his fifty years of public life under different
important positions he work as a good will ambassador of Ladakh,
while promoting its culture and raising the issues concerned with
Ladakh. Rinpochay efficiently served Ladakh under different positions
as an MLA, Minister in the state goverment, the Chairman of the
NMC and as the Indian Ambassador to Mongolia.
Rinpochay has played significant role in integrating Ladakh with
India and other part of the world. He had struggled a lot in protecting
the interest of innocent and peace loving Ladakhis from an alien
Government, which shows lack of concern for Ladakh development.
Jammu & Kashmir being a Muslim dominated state was ruled by
Muslim leaders from the valleys who have little respect, interest
and understanding of the problems of Ladakhis.
It was my desire to meet with Rinpochay for his blessings and to
discuss on various issues related to Ladakh but unfortunately Rinpochay
left for heavenly abode before any interaction. Today I can see
the holy spirit of Rinpochay among many Ladakhi leaders and youth
who are committed for Ladakh development day and night. Let me express
my sincere thanks and gratitude to Rinpochay and all our past and
present leaders whose contributions has made Ladakh a special place
on this blue planet. Let all sentient beings in all the directions
of the universe be bless with their noble thoughts and work. Let
each Ladakhi youth cherish and nurture their values, wisdom and
vision. Write to Author
With peace and prayer
stanzindawa@gmail.com
|