Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd), along with First Lady Neelam Mishra, participated in the 28th Sindhu Darshan Festival at Sindhu Ghat, Shey ON June 24. The festival was organized by the Sindhu Darshan Yatra Samiti in collaboration with the Tourism Department of UT Ladakh and the North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala.

Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the evolution of the Sindhu Darshan Festival, initiated nearly 28 years ago by Shri LK Advani with limited participants, now attracting a diverse audience from across the country. He expressed delight at the festival's expansion and its celebration in Kargil this year.

Lieutenant Governor Mishra affirmed UT Ladakh's readiness to host approximately ten thousand attendees in celebration of the festival's 30th anniversary. He emphasized the collective support from LAHDCs' Chairman, Executive Councillors, Councillors, and the public for Ladakh's holistic development, emphasizing unity beyond religious and political boundaries.

Underlining the importance of national unity for achieving Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of 'Viksit Bharat by 2047,' the Lieutenant Governor expressed hope for the Sindhu Festival to grow in scale and significance with each passing year.

Earlier in the day, Lieutenant Governor Mishra and other dignitaries laid the foundation stone for the Buddha Statue at Sindhu Ghat.

Chairman of LAHDC Leh, Tashi Gyalson, shared insights into the festival's inception in 1996 and underscored the historical and touristic significance of the Indus River. He outlined LAHDC Leh's efforts to preserve the Indus Riverfront and reduce pollution levels, including plans for the Jullay Leh Biodiversity Park at Shey Manla. He highlighted the Buddha statue's foundation as a symbol of universal peace and harmony.

Chairman of LAHDC Kargil, Dr Mohd Jaffer, noted the festival's inaugural celebration in Kargil and announced plans to host next year's event along the banks of the Sindhu River in Aryan Valley. He emphasized the communal harmony between Leh and Kargil districts and mentioned approvals for constructing the Buddhist Gonpa in Kargil.

Chief Patron of Sindhu Darshan Yatra Samiti, Shri Indresh Kumar, and His Eminence Palga Rinpoche also addressed the gathering, underscoring the significance of the Sindhu (Indus) River and the festival's grand celebration.

The festival featured performances by singers and dancers from various parts of India, enriching the cultural experience for attendees.

The event was attended by Chairman of LAHDC Leh Shri Tashi Gyalson, Chairman of LAHDC Kargil Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, His Eminence Palga Rinpoche, Chief Patron of Sindhu Yatra Samiti Shri Indresh Kumar, Advisor to the HLG Dr Pawan Kotwal, Departmental Secretaries, Executive Councillor Stanzin Chosphel, Deputy Commissioner Leh, Santosh Sukhadeve, Superintendent of Police Leh, Shruti Arora, former Member of Parliament Ladakh, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, alongside other officials, cultural troupes, and a large number of devotees.