The Chokhang Reconstruction Committee is dedicated to rebuilding and renovating the Chokhang temple complex, blending traditional design elements with modern amenities to create a vibrant and functional space for the Ladakh Buddhist community.
The Chokhang Reconstruction Committee is committed to creating a vibrant and functional complex that serves the needs of the Ladakh Buddhist community while preserving its cultural heritage. By blending tradition with modernity, incorporating sustainable design principles, and fostering community engagement, the committee aims to develop a complex that is both a spiritual hub and a symbol of community pride
Shri Chering Dorjay Lakrook is a renowned figure in Ladakh, born on December 24,1948, at Lakrook house Sankar in Leh. Shri Dorjay received his primary education at Disket Nubra, middle education at Middle School Leh, and matriculated from Govt.High School Leh in 1965. He graduated from S.P. College, Srinagar in 1970.
Shri Dorjay began his career at State Bank of India, Leh branch, where he worked from 1970 to 1976. He then worked for a Swiss travel agency. As an active youth leader, he participated in the Scheduled Tribe Movement in 1982. He served as President of the Youth Congress District Leh from 1983 to 1987 and Vice-President of the Ladakh Buddhist Association from 1988 to 1995.
In 1995, Shri Dorjay was elected as a Councillor to the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council. He later became a Member of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, representing the people of Leh from 1996 to 2002. He also served as President of the Ladakh Union Territory Front in 2002 and Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC Leh in 2005.
Shri Dorjay served as President of the Bhartiya Janata Party Leh from 2013 to 2015 and was elected as a Member of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council in 2015. He was inducted as Minister of State in the PDP-BJP Coalition Government and later as Cabinet Minister, overseeing the Ladakh Affairs and Cooperatives Department.
Shri Dorjay currently serves as Co-Chairman of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), advocating for Ladakh's four-point agenda, which includes statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion in the 6th schedule of the Constitution.
In May 2024, he was elected President of the Ladakh Buddhist Association. Shri Dorjay is known for his dedication, honesty, agility, and ethical values, with minimal interest in personal benefits.
Ms Kunzes Dolma is a sustainable energy engineer and a dedicated advocate for environmental conservation. Born in 1984 in Leh, she pursued her high school education in Leh and intermediate studies from Shivalik Public School, Chandigarh.
Ms Dolma graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Thapar University, Patiala. She further enhanced her expertise by earning an MSc in Sustainable Energy Engineering from Rejkjavik University, Iceland.
She began her career as a lecturer at Government Polytechnic Leh from 2007 to 2010. She then worked as a Senior Project Engineer at the Ladakh Renewable Energy Development Agency from 2010 to 2012. Her expertise in geothermal energy led to her appointment as a consultant for the Ladakh Ecological Development Group (LEDeG).
Ms Dolma's outstanding contributions to the field of sustainable energy have earned her several prestigious awards, including recognition as India Ambassador for Women in Geothermal Sector in 2020 and the Outstanding Green Activist Award by the Ministry of Road and Transport. She has also played a key role in the development of the Puga geothermal project with the ONGC.
In addition to her professional achievements, Ms Dolma has demonstrated her commitment to community service through various roles, including General Secretary of the LBA Women Wing from 2021 to 2024, Advisor to Mahabodhi School Leh, and Chairperson of Lamdon Jamyang School Khalsi.
Since August 2024, Ms Dolma has served as the Vice President of the Ladakh Buddhist Association, representing the Buddhist community from Kargil district.
Shri Konchok Norboo was born on February 8, 1981, in Neyraks village, Sham region, Ladakh. He completed his elementary education in his village and secondary education at Govt Higher Secondary School, Khalsi, where he consistently topped his class from VI to X standards. His academic excellence earned him three Bharat Darshan tours, funded by the government.
Shri Norboo pursued intermediate studies at S.P. Higher Secondary School, Jammu, on a full scholarship, courtesy of the principal. He topped his school in XII standard with distinction and was also the top-performing Ladakhi student in the country in 2002. He then enrolled in the prestigious St. Stephen's College, Delhi, for a Physics Honours course. During his college days, he was recognized as one of the top 10% physics students by the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT). He further demonstrated his academic prowess by clearing the IIT entrance exam in open merit and joining IIT Delhi for an M.S. Physics course.
In 2012, Shri Norboo cleared the UPSC Assistant Commandant exam in open merit, securing an All India Rank of 159. He joined the ITBP Force and served in various positions, showcasing his leadership skills and dedication to public service. During his tenure, he was awarded an Appreciation Letter by the Commanding Officer (CO) for his outstanding performance and commitment to duty. After five years of distinguished service, he resigned as Deputy Commandant to pursue his passion for social work.
Shri Norboo has been instrumental in organizing several high-profile events, including the Ladakh Ling-gon Yarchos Chenmo 2022 (the Summer Highest Buddhist Council 2022) presided over by His Holiness Dalai Lama. He was also one of the core committee members of the Ladakh Buddhist Association Sham Unit and played a key role in organizing His Holiness Dalai Lama's teachings in 2023 at Khalsi Sham region.
He is committed to various social causes, including organizing medical camps, empowering women through education and economic empowerment programs, conducting educational activities, and providing relief and rehabilitation assistance during floods in remote villages of Sham region.
Shri Norboo is also the founder of an educational institute that prepares students for CBSE board exams and competitive exams like IIT JEE, NEET, and CUET. Since May 2024, he has been an executive body member of the Ladakh Buddhist Association, serving as Spokesperson under the presidentship of Sh Chering Dorjay Lakrook. In this role, he continues to work tirelessly for the betterment of the Ladakhi community.
Ms. Kunzes Dolma Jawo is a beacon of dedication and resilience, leaving an indelible mark on the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA). In 2024, she made history as the first elected President of the LBA Women's Wing, culminating over three decades of selfless service and commitment to the Ladakhi community. Her association with LBA began in 1989 at just 17 years old, driven by a passion for preserving Ladakh's identity and advocating for its rights.
Throughout her illustrious 35-year career with LBA, Ms. Dolma Jawo has held various pivotal roles, including Joint Secretary, Youth Wing Executive, Central Working Committee member, and General Secretary of the LBA Women's Wing. Each position has amplified her impact, shaping the organization and transforming the lives of countless women and youth. Her unwavering dedication stems from a deep love for Ladakh and its people.
Ms. Dolma Jawo played a vital role in landmark struggles, including the fight for Scheduled Tribe status and Union Territory recognition. Her contributions have been instrumental in shaping Ladakh's socio-political landscape. As a trailblazer, Ms. Dolma Jawo's journey is a testament to her unrelenting spirit, fierce sense of belonging, and commitment to empowering others. Her leadership inspires future generations to follow in her footsteps, driving positive change and progress in the region.
Shri Jigmet Rafstan is a dedicated leader serving as the President of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) Youth Wing. Born on April 10, 1991, in Stok village of the Gyapthago family, his journey has been shaped by his education and experiences. He studied at Siddhartha School, Moravian Mission School, CIBS, Sera Jhe Monastic University in South India, and Lamdon School, and graduated from Punjab University, thanks to the blessings of his teachers and family.
Sh Jigmet Rafstan's association with LBA Youth Wing began humbly, as an active member during Shri Konchok Ishey Stak's tenure. He served as General Secretary under Shri Rigzin Dorjey's leadership for three years, honing his skills and dedication. In 2024, he was elected as President of LBA Youth Wing, a role he cherishes and carries out with utmost sincerity.
As President, he aims to inculcate values and wisdom among youth through Buddha's teachings, foster cultural pride, and empower youth to preserve Ladakh's heritage while contributing to its progress and unity. He is committed to working with the community and youth to address critical issues and opportunities, ensuring a brighter future for all. Through the LBA Youth Wing, they organize various events and initiatives to promote communal and interfaith harmony, cultural heritage, leadership development, and community engagement.