The Department of Archives, Archaeology, and Museums, Leh, marked World Heritage Week with an awareness program on "The Importance of Heritage in Ladakh" held at the DC Office Conference Hall on November 25.

Executive Councillor for Art and Culture, Stanzin Chosphel, was the Chief Guest at the event.

The program saw the participation of scholars and researchers, including Ven. Thupstan Paldan, Ven. Dorjey, Dr. Sonam Wangchuk (Himalayan Culture Heritage Foundation), Prof. Tashi Dawa, Prof. Phunchok Angmo (University of Ladakh), Dr. Sonam Spalzin (Archaeological Survey of India), and many others.

During the session, experts discussed the significance of conserving Ladakh’s unique heritage sites, emphasizing both tangible and intangible cultural heritage. The discussions also highlighted the preservation of language and oral traditions as vital aspects of Ladakh’s identity.

Executive Councillor Stanzin Chosphel underlined the importance of heritage conservation and the role of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, in supporting projects aimed at preserving Ladakh’s cultural heritage. He encouraged scholars and researchers to document Ladakh’s history through their research and shared that LAHDC has launched a subsidy scheme to support writers focused on various themes related to Ladakh.

Chosphel also announced an initiative to document oral histories in the Singay Lalok region of Sham, with plans to expand the project across Ladakh to safeguard oral traditions. Additionally, he informed that a project to restore and conserve old thangkas would commence next year in collaboration with IGNCA (Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts).

The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Khadim Hussain, Registering Officer Antiquities.