SKM/GOV/PR/2023/197
PRESS RELEASE
RAJ BHAVAN
DATE- 05.04.2023
The Hon’ble Governor of Sikkim Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya , also the President of Namgyal Institute of Tibetology graced the foundation stone laying ceremony as the Chief Guest for the upcoming 30 bedded Sowa-Rigpa Hospital under National Ayush Mission, Heath and family welfare Department at Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Deorali Gangtok District. He was accompanied by Venerable Sonam Lama, Minister RDD, Ecclesiastical and Cooperative Department, Secretary Health Department Shri Chewang Gyacho, Secretary NIT Shri PW Rinzing, ADM Gangtok Shri Rohan Ramesh Agwane, The board members of NIT and other dignitaries.
The program flagged off with the laying of the foundation stone by The Hon’ble Governor with the chanting of customary prayers by a few Buddhist monks. The Hon’ble Governor also inspected the Museum, Library, Sowa-Rigpa Educational Institute and Clinic of NIT and also inaugurated the Sowa-Rigpa Library, he briefly interacted with the NIT faculty and gathered knowledge about Sowa-Rigpa treatment and medicines, therein followed by an offering bouquet and khada by the Secreraty NIT.
The Secretary of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Chewang Gyacho welcomed everyone present for the August occasion and highlighted the historic importance of the Sowa Rigpa, its practice and prevalence particularly in China, Magnolia, Bhutan, Nepal, Sikkim and the entire Himalayan regions, etc. The system is based on the principles of Five Elements (Skt: Pancha Maha Bhutas, Tib: Chyungwa Nga) and Five Faults (Skt: Tridosa, Tib: Ngepa Sum) and mentioned that the construction of the Sowa Rigpa hospital would not have been possible without the blessings and vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji
and The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay).
The Hon’ble Governor before extending out his greetings to the gathering, kept in his thoughts and prayers those multiple lives that were lost in the recent avalanche at JNM Road. He said, “The loss of life is always a painful experience, and the loss of multiple lives is even more devastating. I want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families during this time of grief and mourning”. He also took out this opportunity to extend his deepest appreciation and gratitude to all the rescue workers who tirelessly worked to save lives and provide assistance to those in need, and the heroic and selfless efforts put in by them, deserve the highest admiration.
The Hon’ble Governor in relation to Sowa Rigpa the ancient medical system having its origin in Tibet spotlighted the aged old relationship between India and Tibet, he mentioned the great scholars from Tibet who travelled to India for education at the pioneers of university, Indias very own Nalanda University. India gave the world an exemplification of University with the birth of Nalanda and now Sikkim is all set to exemplify itself on the world stage in terms of traditional medicines and practises with the establishment of Sowa Rigpa Hospital.
The Hon’ble Governor said the Sowa Rigpa Hospital will stand tall as an accomplishment of one of the visions of The 11th Chogyal of Sikkim Sir Tashi Namgyal and His Holiness the Dalai lama as they laid the foundation stone of Namgyal Insitute of Tibetology in 1956 with the vision of the institute to promote and carry on research in the field of traditional Sikkimese and Tibetan language, art, religion and its culture. Hitherto one of the accomplishments of the vision today holds the foremost initiatives and innovation of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji as envisioned by him for institution.
He mentioned educating the mass regarding Sowa Rigpa and its essence. He also said that the need for such a traditional hospital has been felt for a long time, and he is glad that the government has taken this thoughtful initiative. The hospital shall host a team of highly qualified doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals, simultaneously equipped with the latest facilities and technology, he added.
Further, he stated that with the establishment of this hospital, Sikkim will be a beacon of hope for all those who seek holistic and natural healing. Apart from treating physical ailments, it shall promote the mental and emotional well-being of the patients and bring about sustainable livelihood and tourism in the state with our government’s commitment to promoting traditional systems of medicine and ensuring that they are available to all our citizens.
Lastly, he urged the people of Sikkim to take advantage of the healthcare services offered by this proposed Sowa Rigpa Hospital under the National Ayush Mission, here at the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Deorali, Gangtok and create a
healthier and happier community.
During the program, two minutes of silent prayer were observed for the lives lost in the recent avalanche.
