TOURISM MINISTRY PROVIDES RS. 2 CRORE FOR UPGRADING BUDDHIST MONASTRIES
The Ministry
of Culture will be spending Rupees 2.00 crore for upgrading Buddhist
monastries and restoring the Leh Palace. This was stated by Shri
Jagmohan, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, while inaugurating
the Photo Exhibition of Shri Prabir Purkayastha on Ladakh, organised
by National Institute for Ladakhi Art and Culture at India Habitat
Centre, New Delhi, yesterday evening.
Shri
Jagmohan said "The scenic beauty of Ladakh is unique. It
has the fascination of stillness. Its barren and rugged grandeur
creates an impact of its own. The vast nothingness simply grips
the mind. It symbolizes the vast unknown reality of human existence."
He congratulated Shri Purkayastha for capturing all attributes
of this unique landscape. He hoped that the exhibition would stimulate
interest in Lakadhi art and culture and also promote tourism to
the region.
Shri
Jagmohan indicated that the major Buddhist monasteries of Hamis,
Thiksey, Alchi, Lamayuru, Phyang, and Lakir were being given special
resotration/ conservation treatment. Their environment was also
being improved.
As
regards Leh Palace, it occupies a commanding height but, at present,
is in bad shape. Work of its restoration and conservation has
begun in a big way and Rupees 1.00 crore sanctioned for the purpose.
The monument will be lit at night.
A
big Cultural Cntre at a cost of about Rs. 3.5 crore is also being
made at Leh.
