LEH: Ladakh witnessed a historic moment as the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS) "Deemed to be University" in Leh hosted its first Convocation Ceremony here.

This momentous event was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Meenakashi Lekhi, Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture and Chancellor of CIBS; Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, Member of Parliament; His Eminence Thuksey Rinpoche; Adv. Tashi Gyalson, Chief Executive Councillor of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Leh; Rinchen Lhamo, Member of the National Commission for Minorities; Ranjana Chopra, Additional Secretary, Finance Advisor, Ministry of Culture Government of India; Amita Prasad Sarbhai, Joint Secretary (BTI), Ministry of Culture, Government of India; Dr. Pawan Kotwal, Advisor to the Lt. Governor of Ladakh, Vice Chancellor of University of Ladakh, Vice Chancellor of Nav Nalanda University, Director of Dahung Buddhist Studies Institute along with other distinguished personalities. This gathering stood as a testament to the institution's remarkable growth and achievements.

The ceremony commenced with a grand procession, accompanied by the melodious traditional Ladakhi Lhar-Nga music, which elicited enthusiastic applause from the attendees.

Professor Rajesh Ranjan, Vice-Chancellor of CIBS Deemed to be University, extended a warm welcome to the esteemed guests, presenting them with traditional khadaks and souvenirs. Following this, he delivered a gracious welcome address on behalf of the institute.

The pinnacle of the event was the conferral of degrees upon deserving students. Chancellor Meenakashi Lekhi awarded Ph.D. degrees to accomplished research scholars. Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, Member of Parliament; His Eminence Thuksey Rinpoche; Adv. Tashi Gyalson, Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC, Leh; and Prof. Rajesh Ranjan, Vice-Chancellor, bestowed degrees across various disciplines, while Dr. Pawan Kotwal presented CIBS, University Medals. Degrees were also awarded in absentia to graduates unable to attend.

Jamyang Tsering Namgyal (MP) and Dr. Pawan Kotwal delivered eloquent speeches, followed by a moving address from Rinchen Lhamo, Member of the National Commission for Minorities, and an inspiring Convocation address by His Eminence Thuksey Rinpoche. Adv. Tashi Gyalson eloquently spoke as the officiating Chancellor on behalf of Meenakashi Lekhi.

To culminate this extraordinary day, students from the institute presented a captivating cultural program. This Convocation Ceremony stands as a shining moment in CIBS's history, celebrating academic excellence after granting Deemed to be University status to the institute by central Government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and acknowledging the outstanding contributions of Jamyang Tsering Namgyal Member of Parliament in elevating the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies to its current stature in a remarkably short span of time.