A 15-day campaign aimed at the revival and preservation of the Balti language and literature, organized by the Association of Baltis in Himalaya Ladakh & Territories of Indus (ABHLTI), concluded on December 12 at the Cultural Academy Hall, Kargil.

The event was graced by Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, who was the chief guest. Other dignitaries included Tahir Hussain Zubdavi, Joint Director of Youth Services and Sports, Ladakh; Imteeaz Kacho, Joint Director of Information, Ladakh; and Padma Shri awardee Dr. Akhone Asgar Ali Basharat.

The campaign focused on instilling the importance of Balti language and culture among the youth, training over 200 participants from Drass to Kargil. Eighteen finalists competed in the concluding event.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Akhoon commended ABHLTI's efforts and emphasized the significance of reviving the Egay script, a cornerstone of languages in Ladakh, including Balti, Purgi, and Ladakhi. He highlighted that cultural preservation goes beyond music and dance, encompassing language and heritage.

To support this initiative, Dr. Akhoon announced a grant of ₹3 lakh from the Untied Fund of LAHDC Kargil. He assured further assistance for similar efforts and proposed an annual event calendar by the Cultural Academy and the tourism department to sustain such activities.

Joint Director Youth Services and Sports, Ladakh, Tahir Hussain Zubdavi, praised the association and individuals like Sadiq Ali Hardasi for their dedication to promoting Balti culture. He emphasized the importance of unity in preserving traditions and commended the leadership of ABHLTI President, Bashir Ahmad Wafa, for revitalizing the association’s initiatives.

Joint Director of Information, Ladakh, Imteeaz Kacho, encouraged using indigenous scripts on banners and suggested integrating drama and other creative methods to promote the Balti language. He urged people to incorporate the language into their daily lives and lauded the association’s contributions to preserving Ladakh’s linguistic heritage.

In his address, ABHLTI President, Bashir Ahmad Wafa, acknowledged the challenges posed by the pervasive influence of social media on preserving the Balti language. He stressed the importance of initiatives like this campaign to encourage the everyday use of Balti language and literature.

The concluding event featured a final competition judged by esteemed poets Syed Rizvi and Akbar Ali Shaheen. Yasir Abbas Budgami secured first place, followed by Imran Ali Lungbithang in second, and Zulfiqar Ali Dass in third. The results were announced by judge Akbar Ali Shaheen.

Consolation prizes were distributed among participants and position holders to encourage and recognize their talent.