Gangtok: In a unique blend of spiritual devotion and ecological commitment, the ‘Live to Love’ foundation, established by His Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa, has formally adopted a Golden Pheasant at the Himalayan Zoological Park (HZP) in Sikkim. The initiative, part of the zoo’s ‘My Child From Wild’ programme, saw the Sikkim chapter of the globally-acclaimed organisation pledge Rs 10,000 for the rare bird’s upkeep, a gesture announced on the auspicious occasion of Thrunkar Tshechu, further cementing the deep-rooted bond between faith and nature in the Himalayan state.
Founded in 2007, the ‘Live to Love’ foundation operates under the visionary guidance of the 12th Gyalwang Drukpa, Jigme Pema Wangchen. Revered as a tireless environmentalist, educator, and spiritual leader, His Holiness has long been a vocal proponent of eco-consciousness, particularly in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. His pioneering efforts have not gone unnoticed, having previously been honoured with the UN Millennium Development Goals Honour in 2010 and India’s Green Hero Award, presented by former President Smt. Pratibha Patil.
The foundation’s legacy of environmental stewardship is particularly impressive. The annual ‘Eco Pad Yatra’, a high-altitude pilgrimage, sees a dedicated force of volunteers, monks, and nuns trek across treacherous Himalayan terrains, diligently collecting plastic waste. A notable achievement was the 2010 Yatra in Sikkim, which resulted in the removal of over 25 truckloads of plastic, a monumental effort that was chronicled in the internationally acclaimed documentary, ‘Pad Yatra: A Green Odyssey’.
Beyond the clean-up drives, ‘Live to Love’ has also set two Guinness World Records for planting the most trees simultaneously in Ladakh. The foundation’s initiatives extend to education and health, most notably with the Druk White Lotus School. Famed for its award-winning sustainable architecture, the school also gained widespread recognition for its appearance in the blockbuster Bollywood film ‘3 Idiots’. In 2013, the Waterkeeper Alliance lauded Gyalwang Drukpa’s profound contributions by naming him the ‘Guardian of the Himalayas’, a title that resonates with his consistent message: “We all have the great responsibility to take care of the Himalayas for all sentient beings.” The adoption of the Golden Pheasant stands as another powerful testament to this enduring philosophy.
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