Ani Choying Drolma, the Buddhist nun and singer whose full name is Choying Dolma Lama Moktan, has been appointed vice-chair of the Lumbini Development Trust.
According to Khadak Raj Paudel, minister for culture, tourism and civil aviation, the Cabinet decided to appoint her at its meeting on October 16, following a proposal from the ministry.
She was nominated under Section 8(1)(b) of the Lumbini Development Trust Act, 1985. The law provides for a five-year term for the vice-chair. Under the Lumbini Development Trust Officials Regulations, 2001, the vice-chair also serves as the trust’s chief administrative officer.
The post had remained vacant for a considerable period. Her appointment is expected to help accelerate development, management and administrative work in the Lumbini area.
Born in Kathmandu in 1970, Drolma entered Nagi Monastery in Shivapuri at the age of 13. Under the guidance of Buddhist teacher Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, she studied Buddhist mantras and religious music before gaining international recognition as a singer. Known as the “singing nun”, she has introduced Buddhist chants and mantras to audiences around the world through contemporary musical arrangements.
Alongside her music career, Drolma has been active in education, healthcare and humanitarian work. She established the Nuns Welfare Foundation and Arya Tara School to support the education and health of Buddhist nuns. In memory of her mother, she also founded the Arogya Foundation, which helps provide treatment for people with kidney disease. She has been involved in initiatives supporting children’s health, women’s empowerment and people affected by disasters.
Her autobiography, Singing for Freedom, has been translated into several languages. She has received national and international recognition for her social work and contributions.
The Lumbini Development Trust was established by the Nepal government in 1985 to conserve, develop and promote Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha. It oversees the development and management of the area under a master plan drawn up in 1978.
The trust’s responsibilities extend beyond Lumbini Garden to include the conservation and promotion of other historical and archaeological sites associated with Buddha, including Tilaurakot, Devdaha and Ramgram. Its main objective is to develop Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as an international Buddhist pilgrimage destination and cultural centre.