Leh celebrated 76th Independence day with full enthusiasm on August 15 at Pologround. Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, RK Mathur hoisted the national flag.

Greeting the people of Ladakh on India’s 75 years of independence in the form of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, LG Mathur appreciated everyone for making the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign successful. He stated that more than 75 awareness programmes and workshops were organised and many initiatives were taken to make India’s dreams come true. He highlighted various other initiatives and schemes introduced by the Administration along with both the Hill Councils in various fields, viz. tourism, culture, health, power, agriculture, horticulture, skill training, education, sports, infrastructure, road, telecom, and internet connectivity, water connection under Jal Jeevan Mission, solid waste and wastewater management, animal and sheep husbandry along with fisheries, Anganwadi centers, etc.

LG Mathur congratulated Ladakhis for receiving awards for their work in various fields and for bringing laurels to the region. He highlighted initiatives taken by the Administration and both the Hill Councils for providing employment opportunities to the youth of Ladakh and coaching classes for Staff Selection Commission (SSC) and Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services examinations. He further informed about initiatives being taken to develop Ladakh into a digital society.

LG Mathur appreciated both Hill Councils and Panchayati Raj Institutions for their crucial role in the development of Ladakh.

He appealed to the public to take both first and second doses along with precautionary Covid-19 vaccination and follow Covid Appropriate Behaviour to stop the spread of Coronavirus. He appealed to the people of Ladakh to maintain harmony and brotherhood and work collectively to provide quality health facilities to the people in Ladakh. He also appealed for support to women and youth to enable them to become economically independent to take the Ladakhi society forward.

The marching contingents of Commando forces and the canine squad of Ladakh Police participated in the march past for the first time. 

NCC girls contingent and Lamdon Model Senior Secondary school scored the first position while St. Peter school scored 2nd and Moravian Mission School scored 3rd in march past. While in cultural performances, Mahabodhi school scored first position, Army Goodwill School, Kharu scored second and JNV school, Leh scored third.