History

Padmapa Fellowship

NTRODUCTION

Arunachal Pradesh sprawling over an area of over 83,743 sq km (of which around 70,000 sq km lies in the lap of the Himalayas) is a unique region of India – situated at the far end of India’s North-East. West Kameng and Tawang districts are originally known as Mon Region, are situated in the extreme western fringe of Arunachal Pradesh. The region has a distinct geographical entity which is strategically important for the security of the state of Arunachal Pradesh in particular and nation in general. The region shares international border with Tibet (China) in the north and Bhutan in the South. West Kament district is inhabited by Monpa along with other tribes like Shertukpen, Bugun, Miji, Aka etc. While the Tawang district is exclusively home for the Monpas’. Besides from different name , ther are similar in their social and cultural lifestyle. For instance traditional dresses and ornaments etc. traditional songs and similar in their languages can also be seen. The regions have tremendous scope for development of power, tourism, horticulture etc but there has not been focused attention. Only after Chinese aggression in 1962 the importance of the region was felt by the Government. Kalaktang is in the extreme western fringe of West Kameng District that comes under BADP sharing the International Border with Bhutan in the west and National border with Assam in the South.

BACKGROUND

The land of Mon is popularly known as the birth place of Khandro Drowa Zangmo(Dakini) of 7th
century as in mentioned in her biography. During 8th century Lord Padma Sambhava visited this monyul
Kyid-mo-jong (Happy Valley) and guided us. “Ka-La-Thang”- Now Popularly known as Kalaktang There
was a king Gyelpo Kala Wangpo of Mendrolgang during 6th century . He used to go hunting in the in the
thang means the valley. It was his favourite spot where he loved to spend most of his free time. He also
married a Dakini Khandro Drowa Zangmo. The very valley -Thang is named after the King Kala Wangpo.
Hence, the name Kalaktang means the valley of king Ka La Wangpo. The story of khandro Drowa Zangmo
is published in many different languages and also movie have been made in many countries like Bhutan,
Tibet(China). Even today the story is being narrated by the elders to their young ones.
Geographically Kalaktang Circle shares the international border with Bhutan in the West and national border
with Assam in the South.

Ngagyur Sangchen Pema Woedling Nyingma School Gonpa is located in Sumbrang of Samphung Village
established on 13 Oct 2012, Kalaktang Circle, West Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh. It is being
constructing on the on the top of the mountain with a very beautiful scenario, under the Guidance of H.E.
Sonam Lodre Rinpoche and hard work of Sri. Dorjee Tsering (G.B. Samphung Vill.) and Lama Sonam
Yeshi Wangdi. TAK-TSANG Nyepa Vejra Ling Gonpa is been build along with the cliff of the mountain
where any monks can go on retreat.
Ngagyur Sangchen Pema Woedling Gonpa also have a small Buddhist school was established by H.E. Bhuli
Rinpoche and Sri Dorjee Tsering G.B. Of Samphung for the benefit of local and preservation of heritage and
culture as the Samphung Village has been performing Bardo dance(Monastic Dance) since 45 years. Under
Ven. Lama Sonam Yeshi Wangdi and Gen Sithar Wangdi both is graduate from Ngagyur Drodull Tsang
Chen Shedra (Bhutan), 25 Residential monks and many non-residential from different villages use to come
there and receiving teaching.
For conservational point of view of Buddhist Religion as we are very near BTC (Boro Territorial Council),
Assam. They are trying to convince our local people for Christianity and it could hamper our heritage and
culture. As, all our Monpa’s culture is a gift of Buddhism.

Need and Significance

(i) As per the customary practice of the Buddhist Communities of this area every household has
been under the religious obligation to send at least one of their children to monastery for nunhood.
These novices are given both the general and theological education in the monastic school.

(ii) Since Cultural and Educational Rights are the Fundamental Rights conferred by the Indian
constitution upon its citizens, which states that all minorities, religious or linguistic, can set up
their own educational institutions in order to preserve and develop their own culture. Hence, the
Government and civil society must also facilitate these novice Buddhist Monks with educational
facilities towards fulfilling its constitutional obligations along with the similar facilities for
destitute.

(iii) Kalaktang is situated in the backward, tribal and border area resided by the Buddhist minorities
and backward scheduled tribes. Here large chunk of rural population is reeling under the burden
of poverty. Hence, people in the rural areas of Kalaktang have least access to educational
opportunity. Hence, they must be provided with special assistance by the civil society for their
educational and cultural upliftment.

(iv) Need of IT for monks is very essential in today day to day life for being able to stay updated and
connected to people around us.