In a significant literary gathering, around 50 writers and poets from Ladakh and other Himalayan states, including Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh, came together for the Himalayan Writers Conclave. Organized by the Department of Information and Public Relations on November 11, the conclave provided a valuable platform for writers to share ideas, experiences, and cultural narratives.

A highlight of the event was the launch of Biography of Geshe Ishey Thabkas by Dr. Jamyang Gyaltson, a distinguished writer and scholar.

Advocate Tashi Gyaltson, Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC Leh, attended as the chief guest and commended the organizers for establishing a space that connects writers across the Himalayan region. He emphasized the influential role writers play in inspiring and guiding society. CEC Gyaltson also highlighted the importance of reviving a reading culture and suggested engaging youth in literary events to introduce them to local authors. He outlined LAHDC Leh’s efforts to support literary pursuits, mentioning initiatives such as opening a public library in Sumoor, offering publishing incentives for Ladakhi writers, and celebrating Ladakh Literature Day.

Commissioner Secretary Padma Angmo congratulated the department for organizing the conclave. She spoke of her appreciation for Ladakhi narratives, especially through the Saga of Gyalam Kesar, translated into English by Kacho Asfyndar Khan. Angmo stressed the importance of translating Ladakhi stories to make them accessible to a wider audience. She proposed expanding the reach of these narratives through platforms like OTT services, digital media, and YouTube. She suggested hosting a Ladakh Literature Festival on the scale of the Jaipur Literature Festival to unite writers, filmmakers, musicians, and theatre artists in celebrating Ladakhi culture.

Adding to the cultural experience, the Ladakh Theatre Organisation, led by Mipham Otsal, performed a play inspired by the life and legacy of historian and scholar Late Tashi Rabgias.

The conclave featured panel discussions on topics such as Preserving Ladakh’s Cultural Heritage in the Face of Modernization, Echoes of the Himalayas: Narrating Nature, Culture, and Heritage, Mountain Mysticism and Spirituality in Himalayan Literature, and The Growth of Writers in Ladakh.

Mizoram’s Laltlankimi praised the platform for fostering new perspectives among Himalayan writers. Kargil-based writer Raza Amjad Badgami underscored the role of writers as social contributors, and former Assistant Commissioner Tsewang Dorjey Dongbos emphasized the importance of literature in preserving Ladakh's rich cultural heritage.

The Himalayan Writers Conclave marks an important step in bringing regional voices to the forefront, offering a space for dialogue, creativity, and the preservation of Himalayan culture and stories.