In a major step towards preserving Ladakh’s rich cultural and historical legacy, Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) Adv. Tashi Gyalson of LAHDC Leh officially launched the Ladags Norskal heritage documentation project and its dedicated website on May 31.

Spearheaded by LAHDC Leh, the Ladags Norskal initiative is a comprehensive district-wide effort to document and analyze historical sites across 95 panchayats and one Urban Local Body, encompassing nearly 190 villages and hamlets.

Speaking at the launch event, the CEC expressed delight at the successful completion of the project's pilot phase in the Singey Lalok Block. He commended the project team for their dedication and reaffirmed the Council’s full support for its district-wide rollout. Calling Ladags Norskal a “precious and visionary initiative,” he noted its deep significance not only for the Council but for the entire Ladakhi community.

The event was graced by a broad cross-section of dignitaries and stakeholders. Among them were Executive Councillors Ghulam Mehdi, Tashi Namgyal, and Stanzin Chosphel; Councillors Tsering Sandup, Konchok Stanzin, Ishey Spalzang, and Karma Namdak; and Nominated Councillor Dr. Yangchen Dolma.

The expert committee behind Ladags Norskal was also present, including noted historian Elijah Gergan, acclaimed author G. M. Sheikh, culture expert and Deputy Secretary Tsewang Paljor, and LBA heritage representative Wangyal Tsering. The implementing team from Plannable Consultants, led by Executive Director Konchok Tashi, shared insights into the documentation process and methodology.

The event also saw participation from prominent religious and community leaders from across Ladakh, including Chering Dorjay (President, LBA Leh), Ashraf Ali Barcha (President, Anjuman Imamia Leh), Haji Mohammad Ali (President, Sufi Nurbakshi), and Imtiaz Hussain (President, Anjuman Moin-Ul-Islam). Women’s leadership was represented by Ayesha Malo and Nasreen Maryam, Presidents of the women’s wings of Anjuman Moin-Ul-Islam and Anjuman Imamia, respectively. Youth voices were present through Jigmet Raftan (LBA Youth Leh) and Sh. Irfan Bari (Anjuman Moin-Ul-Islam Youth). Writers, historians, political figures, and heads of monasteries from across the region also attended, demonstrating broad community enthusiasm for the cultural initiative.

The ceremony commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp by the CEC. This was followed by the screening of promotional videos, animated storytelling segments, and visual highlights from the pilot documentation in Singey Lalok. These multimedia presentations aimed to engage audiences across age groups and deepen public appreciation of Ladakh’s cultural wealth.

Expert speakers stressed the importance of integrating technology into heritage conservation through video and visual documentation. As part of the program, the CEC formally launched the Ladags Norskal website, unveiled the first heritage documentation book produced under the project, and released a Losar-themed coffee table book.

In his keynote address, the CEC emphasized the urgent need to document oral histories—particularly from remote villages—before they disappear. Such narratives, he stated, are vital not only for preserving cultural memory but also for enriching Ladakh’s tourism potential by offering rare insights into indigenous traditions.

He reaffirmed LAHDC Leh’s long-standing commitment to cultural preservation and shared his vision for establishing a dedicated Cultural Centre in Ladakh. He also highlighted ongoing Council efforts to support traditional healers like Amchis and Onpos, as well as initiatives to create better publishing opportunities for Ladakhi writers, scholars, and emerging authors.

In closing, the CEC made a heartfelt appeal to experts, youth, writers, and culturally engaged citizens to actively contribute to the Ladags Norskal project. Describing it as a collective mission, he underscored its importance in safeguarding and promoting Ladakh’s heritage for future generations.