LBA Youth Wing
Ladakh Buddhist Association Youth Wing

The Ladakh Buddhist Association Youth Wing serves as the apex youth body under the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) parent organization. Representing all Buddhist youth of Ladakh, it plays a pivotal role in supplementing the activities of the LBA and addressing critical issues affecting society, with a particular focus on empowering the younger generation.

Organizational Structure

The Youth Wing has established subsidiary units at outreach levels, representing clusters of villages to ensure comprehensive community engagement and coverage. By working in close collaboration with these units, the Youth Wing addresses essential challenges and opportunities faced by the youth and the broader community.

Mission & Objectives

The primary mission of the Youth Wing is to:

  • Inculcate values and wisdom among contemporary youth through the teachings of Buddha.
  • Foster a deep understanding of Buddhism to transform youth into dignified, responsible, and harmonious individuals.
  • Nurture cultural pride and empower youth to preserve Ladakh’s rich heritage while actively contributing to its progress and unity.
  • By instilling values rooted in Buddhism, the Youth Wing aspires to shape a generation that is capable, confident and dedicated to serving society.
Membership and Representation

Membership in the Youth Wing is open to all Buddhist youth aged 18 to 45 years, excluding monks and nuns. This approach ensures participation from diverse young individuals who actively contribute to the community’s development and decision-making processes. The President of the Youth Wing holds a critical role as an Associate Member of both the Central Working Committee and the General Council, with the privilege of voting on behalf of the Youth in key decisions. This representation ensures the voice of the youth is integral to LBA’s governance.

Jigmet Rafstan
President Message
Jigmet Rafstan
President
Executive Members leading the LBA Youth Wing
Jigmet Rafstan
President
Thinley Norboo
Vice President
Thinley Dorjay
Vice President
Dr. Stanzin Sharab
General Secretary
Lobzang Tsewang
Joint Secretary
Tsering Angdu
Joint Secretary
Konchok Sherab
Cashier
Tsewang Dorjay
Advisor
Stanzin Phunchok
Advisor
Sangey Tsering
Media Secretary
Jamyang Namgyal
Convenor
Padma Thinlay
Convenor
Deachen
Women Convener
Norzin
Women Secretary
Operational Framework

To facilitate its operations efficiently, the Youth Wing is provided with:

  • Dedicated office space to conduct its administrative and program-related activities.
  • Specific terms of reference defined by the President of the LBA, with advice and approval from the Central Working Committee. These terms outline the Youth Wing’s responsibilities, powers, and focus areas.
Financial Support

The Youth Wing receives generous financial support from the LBA parent body. This funding enables the Youth Wing to organize various programs and activities aimed at uplifting the Buddhist youth of Ladakh. These initiatives focus on fostering community engagement, leadership development, and the preservation of cultural and spiritual values.
Through its focused efforts, the Ladakh Buddhist Association Youth Wing remains committed to the holistic development of Ladakh’s Buddhist community, ensuring the younger generation grows into cultural ambassadors and responsible contributors to society.
 

Events Organized by the LBA Youth Wing

The LBA Youth Wing is proactive in organizing a variety of events throughout the year to engage the community, promote cultural heritage, and honour significant historical figures and events. Some of the major events include:

List of the President LBA Youth Wing since its inception
Sh. Tsering Dorjai Lakrook
Sh. Tsering Dorjai Lakrook
(1972) President
Sh. C.P. Dorjai
Sh. C.P. Dorjai
President
Sh. Tsewang Thinles
Sh. Tsewang Thinles
President
Sh. Rinchen Namgyal
Sh. Rinchen Namgyal
(2012–2017) President
Sh. Konchok Ishey
Sh. Konchok Ishey
(2018–2020) President
Sh. Rigzen Dorjai
Sh. Rigzen Dorjai
(2021–2023) President
Sh. Jigmet Rafstan
Sh. Jigmet Rafstan
(2024) Present President
PT Kunzang
PT Kunzang
President
Conclusion

The LBA Youth Wing remains dedicated to guiding the youth of Ladakh toward positive transformation, preserving cultural heritage  and addressing contemporary challenges. Through its various programs, events and initiatives, it fosters a sense of pride, responsibility and unity within the Buddhist community of Ladakh.