Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 25 Sept: A delegation from the Doon Buddhist Committee paid a courtesy visit to Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Gurmit Singh at Raj Bhavan on Thursday.
During the meeting, the Governor engaged in a meaningful dialogue with the delegation on various social, educational, and contemporary issues. He appreciated the Committee’s ongoing efforts in the field of education and public welfare, and emphasized that education infused with moral values and ethical principles is essential for the holistic development of society.
On this occasion, Dharmacharya Shantum Seth and Gitanjali Seth were conferred the Dhamma Ratna Award by the Governor in recognition of their lifelong and exemplary service in reviving Ancient Indian Wisdom.
The delegation submitted a memorandum and sought the Governor’s support and guidance on several key matters, including: Representation of Buddhists in the Uttarakhand State Minority Commission; Support for Buddhist cultural and educational initiatives; Promotion of Buddhist heritage and eco-spiritual tourism; Facilitation of interdepartmental dialogue for community welfare; Provision of a cremation ground for the Buddhist community; Maintenance and care of Kirsali Chowk and the Buddha statue; and Provision of a community centre for the Buddhist community in Dehradun.
Lt Gen Singh responded with encouragement and appreciation, assuring his support for the inauguration of “Jamun Village – Plum Village India”, a new mindfulness retreat centre in Rajpur, Dehradun. He also expressed a keen interest in visiting the Songtsen Library, recognising its role in preserving the rich spiritual and philosophical heritage of Buddhism.
He encouraged the delegation to continue their positive contributions in the field of education, ethics, and social harmony, noting that the Buddhist pedagogical approach can be of immense value across all sectors of society — including policy-makers, law enforcement, educators, children and even prisoners.
As a token of gratitude, the Governor was presented with a collection of books, including: Old Path White Clouds – a biography of the Buddha; Happy Teachers Change the World – a mindfulness curriculum for educators; Calming the Fearful Mind – a Buddhist response to terrorism; and Breathe! You Are Alive – commentaries on the 16 methods of mindful breathing taught by the Buddha.
Khenchen Konchok Rangdol Rinpoche, President Doon Buddhist Committee; Dharmacharya Shantum Seth; Founding Trustee, Ahimsa Trust, Gitanjali Seth; Director, Songsten Library, Dr Tashi Samphel; Vice President, Doon Buddhist Committee, Tsering Luding, were present on the occasion.
