Today, we are observing, ‘2nd Bhoti Day’ celeberation all over Ladakh. This happened after Ladakh’s member parliament Jamyang Tsering Namgyal sought a private member bill to include Bhoti into the 8th schedule of the constitutionon April 4 2022.
Lha Lama Eshey Odh revival
of Buddhism in Tibet from Ngari
(Western Tibet, 10th century C.E)
From this year Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development- Council (LAHDC) Leh decided to observe 1st of April as the ‘Bhoti Language Day’all over Ladakh. A special event was organized by Ladakh Academy of Art, Culture and Languages under the ageis of Executive Councilor (Culture) of the LAHDC-Leh and the Ladakh Cultural Forum- Leh at the Lotsava Auditorium.
The event being divided into two parts first part being speeches by expert speakers on the theme and second part poetic symposium by today’s budding young poets of both genders. In his inaugural address Ven’ble Thubstan Paldan veteran writer and recently inducted into Sahitya Academy, New Delhi.
Great translator, Lotsava Rinchen Zangpo (11th century C.E)
Who provided a whole genesis to the coming of this profound language in the world through the efforts of the great Thonmi Sambhota who was sent by the 7th century emperor of Tibet SRongtsan sGampo to learn language and develop script that until that time didn’t existed?
He also added that during ancient times there existed 270 different dialects from Tibet bodering China until Gilgit that came under the rule of King SRongtsan sGampo with the influence of Bon religion that was to be over whlemned by introduction of Buddhism in and around Lhasa. And there began translation of ‘Kangyur’ (direct teaching of the Buddha, 108 volumes) and later translation of ‘Tangyur’ (later commentaries by Nalanda master’s on the Kangyur, 225 volumes).
Dr. Nawang Tsering Phepa retired Principal of the CentraI Institute of the Buddhist Studies, Choglamsar mentioned that many young Ladakhis seem to believe that because Ladakhi is their mother tongue so they need not learn the language, which he thinks is a wrong idea? We all need to learn our language which helps us to better better understand the depth of language also its appreciation.
Artists rendering of Leh Palace
Dr. Sonam Angchuk Khardong President, Ladakh Cultural Forum mentioned that as we move into 21st century our Bhoti language faces challenges both within and outside and there is also the fast changing technology? So how can we make best use of social media which everyone owns?
Sh. Stanzin Chosphel EC (Culture) LAHDC mentioned that today Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council is striving towards realizing its goals and has an outlay of Rs. 100 crs to be spent in the coming years for which blue print has already beenmade.
While making his vote of thank speech Sh. Tsewang Paljore head of Cultural Academy mentioned he and his team made a comprehensive tour in the rural regions of Ladakh to understand the state of appreciation of Bhoti language and where satisfied on this score. His team is also coming with the translation of the biography of Ven’ble Tsultrim Nyima into Hindi and English. There are many other projects which too will see light of the day. Bye for now.