9 May 2016

International Seminar on Padma Bhushan Kushok Bakula Rinpoche

Call for Papers


The Indian Council for Cultural Relations is sponsoring a conference on the 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, to be held in Leh, Ladakh, from 26-28 October 2016. The conference organisers welcome proposals for papers on any aspect of Kushok Bakula’s life and career. Accommodation in Leh will be provided for paper presenters travelling from outside Ladakh. In some cases, it may also be possible to provide domestic and international transport expenses.

Padma Bhushan Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, a saint and scholar from Ladakh,  remained pre-eminent in the life and affairs of Ladakh for over a half century—a half century marked by great social and political changes. More than any other man, he influenced events and public opinion through his religious, cultural, educational and political leadership. He was the 19th incarnation of Arhat Bakula holding the highest degree in Buddhist metaphysics. Until 1947 his life was that of a Buddhist monk mainly occupied by religious studies and spiritual and monastic affairs. But with the coming of independence and the tragic aftermath of the Pakistani attack  on the region in 1947-48, isolated Ladakh and its peace-loving people were drawn into the vortex of history, and Kushok Bakula felt impelled to extend his influence beyond the  religious field. At the urging of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, he played an active part in public life and emerged as the undisputed political, religious and social leader of the Ladakhi people.  He was a Buddhist leader of international repute and represented India on many international forums. In 1986 in recognition to his services to the nation, the President of India conferred the prestigious Padma Bhushan award on him. He passed away on 4th November 2004.

For further information, please write to Nawang Tsering Shakspo, Academic Coordinator, at sntsering52@gmail.com. The deadline for paper proposals is 31 July 2016.

 Nawang Tsering Shakspo


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