Leh, May 08 : A special screening of the documentary “Kushok Bakula Rinpoche: The Extraordinary Story of an Extraordinary Monk” was held on Thursday at the main auditorium of Central Institute of Buddhist Studies, bringing together monks, scholars, students and officials to revisit the life and legacy of the 19th Arhat Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, widely regarded as one of Ladakh’s foremost spiritual and political figures.
The programme was organised under the aegis of the Union Territory Administration of Ladakh in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India and the International Buddhist Confederation.
Among those present on the occasion were IBC General Secretary Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche, Ven. Thupstan Paldan, noted scholar and Sahitya Akademi member Sonam Wangchuk, Dr Portia Conrad and members of the IBC delegation, along with Buddhist scholars, monks and students.
Delivering the welcome address, Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche described Kushok Bakula Rinpoche as a symbol of Ladakh whose contributions and vision continue to influence generations across the Himalayan region and the wider Buddhist world.
Produced by Rishi Suri and directed by Hindol Sengupta, the documentary traced the life of Bakula Rinpoche through archival photographs, historical footage and personal narratives. The film explored his role as a Buddhist master, diplomat, social reformer and statesman during a transformative period in Ladakh’s political and cultural history.
The documentary highlighted his efforts towards preserving Ladakh’s cultural and spiritual identity, promoting education and interfaith harmony, and strengthening India’s cultural diplomacy abroad. Particular emphasis was placed on his contribution to the revival of Buddhism in Mongolia and his role in fostering India-Mongolia relations.
The film also revisited Bakula Rinpoche’s political interventions concerning Ladakh’s future, including his advocacy for the region’s integration with India, his support for Union Territory status and constitutional safeguards, and his emphasis on national security and social upliftment.
Following the screening, an interactive discussion was held between Sonam Wangchuk and Ven. Thupstan Paldan, during which both speakers underlined the importance of introducing younger generations to the teachings and public life of Bakula Rinpoche.
Ven. Thupstan Paldan recalled his travels to Tibet and spoke about the deep reverence accorded to Bakula Rinpoche across Buddhist communities. He also reflected on Rinpoche’s emphasis on education and social reform in Ladakh.
Speaking on his political and diplomatic legacy, Sonam Wangchuk referred to Bakula Rinpoche’s role in Ladakh’s developmental discourse, including advocacy for Scheduled Tribe status and Union Territory status. He also highlighted Rinpoche’s role in bringing the sacred Piprahwa relics to Ladakh in 1950 and facilitating their historic visit to Mongolia in 1993.
During the programme, mementoes were presented to distinguished guests by Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche. A recorded video message by director Hindol Sengupta, reflecting on the process of documenting Bakula Rinpoche’s life, was also screened.
The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by the Deputy Registrar of CIBS Leh.
