Kung Fu Nuns in Mystic Ladakh

Leh Ladakh, where towering mountains reach up to a clear blue sky, where the rhythmic chant of Buddhist monks fills the air, where time stands still, where the rushing waters of an icy river surge down from a glacial height is known as the land of passes and Kung fu nuns.

Voices of women have traditionally been muted in all religions including Buddhism. Nuns have usually carried out only household chores in Buddhist monasteries. The Druk Gawa Khilwa (DGK) nunnery teaches these nuns martial arts as well as meditation as a means of empowering the young women. The nuns of DGK, who come from far of places as Assam, Tibet and Kashmir, are also taught basic business skills. These nuns exhibit tremendous self-confidence and strength, not only in their day to day life but also in their attitude toward people outside their own community.

His Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa says “I hope to raise awareness about gender equality and the need for the empowerment of women.”

The documentary dominantly presents a visual delight of the Kung Fu Nuns of the mystic land.

The film is in the collection of US Library of Congress, Washington.

It was also was telecasted by the National TV Channel DD Bharati several times in September 2014 and was also selected and screened at the 3rd Delhi International Film Festival 2014.