The 67th Republic Day began with the hoisting of the national flag by Dr Sonam Dawa, Chief Executive Councillor  along with ADC Leh Rakesh Kumar Badyal at polo ground on 26th January. It was followed by the national anthem and inspection of the parade accompanied by SSP Dr Sunil Gupta.

 

Dr Dawa gave an overview of the work that the new council had accomplished since their time in office. Out of the many projects he also mentioned about the Service selection board exams which was held for the first time in Ladakh last year and will be continued in the two districts in coming years.

In the education sector, he mentioned that the provision of Scholarship to the Ladakhi students will be made more efficient. Adding to that he expressed happiness that CIBS has been given the recognition of a deemed university and that the Governor of the state has assured the functioning of Taru-Thang university from this June.

He added that the council will continue to promote Prime Minister’s programme of Beti Padao Beti Bachaao, Skill India and Stand up India. In the infrastructure and development sector, he briefed that ₹11 crore has been given to improve the parking facility of town and a separate ₹ 250 crore for making Leh a Solar city. 

He also added that the hydel projects of the district will also be made efficient and many road infrastructure projects are also in progress. He also spoke about the upcoming project of Zojila tunnel along with plans for making tunnel at Khardongla. Along with that, he added that a survey team will be arriving in March to work on resolve the internet and telecommunication problems.

 

Drawing attention towards the last years flood damage, he added that an inspection team will work to prevent flooding due to the overflow of channels. He also emphasised that their main priority will be improving the agricultural sector and promoting the region's products so that people don’t remain dependent on imported products. Finally, he concluded that with no women representatives in council the nominated councillors will be women.

The event progressed with the parades of Paramilitary and the number of Govt. and private school children with the band party of JK Police, Govt. Boys Higher Sec, Leh and Mahabodhi School Choglamsar. The parade commanders were Dy. Suptd. Zahoor Ahmad Pir and Inspector Tsewang Dorjey.

Different cultural programme was showcased by the school students. In between the event a Calendar by the Isha tours was unveiled by CEC, ADC, and SSP Leh along with the Isha tour agents. 

Organisations and people with commendable work were also given appreciation awards on the day. Women Alliance Diskit, Cultural Heritage Foundation, Ladakh Vision Group Leh were some of the organisations that were awarded. Govt. Middle School Leh, Chulungkha and Chorgog Tsaga were also given awards. Dr Chamba Laskit and Sonam Chorol from Medical Department, Abdul Haq Taxi Driver, Tsering Angmo, Retired Teacher were also given appreciation awards.

From the Police Dept. Head Constable Skarma Angchuk and Ghulam Rasool were awarded for their good work. The team of SDRF were also given awards. Finally, six students from the district who got recognition from the State with Rajya Paraskar Award for their good performance in Scouts and Guide were also given appreciation awards.

 

Apart from the school students the Cultural Department Leh and  DIET also showcased their performances. 

Lamdon School, Druk Padma Karpo and Govt. High School Housing colony Leh won the first three positions respectively in Parade march. For the cultural programme Moravian Mission School, Lamdon School and Druk Padam Karpo were the winners and the first two runners up respectively. 

The occasion had the presence of all the dignitaries from hill council, army, police, political parties and religious community representatives. A large number of public had also thronged to be a part of the Republic day celebration.