Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu said that monasteries are not only places of worship but also living centres of culture, learning, discipline and compassion. He stressed that society has a shared responsibility to support and strengthen these institutions so that they continue to guide future generations.
The chief minister made the remarks while attending the consecration and inauguration ceremony of the newly constructed administrative block of the Sera Jey Jamyang Choekhorling Monastery in Tawang district. The programme was attended by several senior monks, dignitaries, local leaders, and members of the public.
Speaking about the occasion, Khandu said he felt honoured to take part in the consecration ceremony in the presence of Venerable Geshe Lobsang Norbu, chief administrator of Sera Jey Monastery in Karnataka, His Eminence Dolhe Rinpoche Tenzin Kunkhyen, abbot of Sera Jey Jamyang Choekhorling Monastery, and other respected religious leaders. He described the gathering as a spiritually significant event and said such ceremonies reflect the strong connection between the people and their cultural and religious heritage.
The chief minister said the newly inaugurated administrative block would play an important role in improving the functioning of the monastery. According to him, the new infrastructure will strengthen administrative efficiency and provide better residential and academic facilities for monks and students studying there. He added that improved facilities would also help the monastery expand its educational activities and create a better learning environment for those who come from different parts of the region to pursue religious studies.
Khandu noted that monasteries in the Himalayan region have historically played an important role not only in spiritual life but also in education, preservation of traditional knowledge, and community welfare. He said these institutions continue to guide society by promoting values such as compassion, discipline, respect and peaceful coexistence. For this reason, he said, both the government and the community should work together to support their development and maintenance.
During the programme, the chief minister also appreciated the contribution made by the Tawang branch of the State Bank of India (SBI), which donated a school bus to the monastery. He described the donation as a meaningful initiative that would directly benefit students by improving transportation facilities and helping them attend classes more easily. He said such cooperation from institutions and organisations plays an important role in strengthening educational support systems in remote areas.
Highlighting the broader importance of monasteries, Khandu said they serve as important centres where culture and tradition are preserved and passed on to younger generations. He said that in many remote mountain regions, monasteries are often the main centres for learning, cultural activities, and community gatherings. Therefore, supporting them is not only about maintaining religious structures but also about protecting cultural identity and heritage.
The chief minister also pointed out that investments in infrastructure, education and basic facilities at monasteries will help create better opportunities for students and monks who dedicate their lives to learning and service. He said such efforts also encourage tourism and cultural exchange, as visitors from different parts of the country and the world come to learn about the traditions and spiritual heritage of the region.
