The 8^th dPal rNgam Duston, themed ‘Celebrating 50 Years of Tourism in Ladakh’ was held at NDS Stadium in Leh on August 5.

The event was organised by LAHDC Leh on the occasion of the UT Declaration Day. Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) attended the celebration.

L-G presented the dPal rNgam Duston Award to historian and poet, Abdul Ghani Sheikh while the LAHDC Lifetime Achievement Award was conferred on the late Ven Lama Lobzang for his contributions for the well-being of the people of Ladakh. LG also presented Certificates of Appreciation to Lobzang Tsendol, the first women travel agent in Ladakh; Nawang Tsering, owner of Hotel Omasila and Tsewang Motup, owner of RIMO Expedition, for their contribution to making Ladakh a prized tourist destination.

Terming the event as important which has its own significance, LG stated that the people of Ladakh are celebrating the realisation of their dreams after Ladakh was bifurcated from the erstwhile state of J&K and declared a Union Territory five years ago. He called the event as important as any other event which has equal participation from all sections of society. He stated that distinguished people, who promote Ladakh’s cultural tradition and social fabric, are also appreciated on this day.

Congratulating the award winners and their family members, LG stated that they deserved awards for their contributions towards the Ladakhi society. Calling Ladakhis good citizens of the country, LG appreciated the people of Ladakh for preserving their cultural identity. The HLG shared three concerns and the steps being taken by the Administration on these issues.

Firstly, LG stated that his primary concern is preserving water and making drinking water available for future generations 30 years down the line. He highlighted the need to use surface water instead of relying on underground water. He informed about the water projects initiated by the UT Administration in Leh and Kargil districts to address water-related issues.

He stated that the people of Ladakh have to travel long distances to reach the district headquarters due to the large geographical area of the region. He stated that efforts are being made to ensure that people don’t have to travel long distances by making the administrative units more accessible for them.

Thirdly, LG stated that Ladakh is dependent on the Government of India for funds. He also stated that Ladakh can generate income through the solar power project announced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, and become self-reliant by selling solar electricity. He further stated that electricity would be provided to all. The HLG also highlighted the terms and conditions included by him in the said solar project, including benefits to the people of the area in which the solar power project would be established along with appropriate employment for the locals.

He highlighted initiatives taken by the Administration to prepare Recruitment Rules for gazetted posts along with ensuring Reservation Rules as per India norms to meet the aspirations of the Ladakhi youth. He stated that the reserve lists of posts would also be operated soon. He also highlighted the dreams of the Prime Minister of India to make Ladakh a zero-carbon emission region. LG further highlighted the instructions passed on to government officials to stay alert and help the needy in case of occurrences of floods due to rainfall and rise in water levels in rivers and streams in Ladakh.

Wishing everyone on the occasion of dPal rNgam Duston and UT Declaration Day, Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Leh, Advocate Tashi Gyalson congratulated historian and poet Abdul Ghani Sheikh and the family members of late Ven Lama Lobzang for winning the dPal rNgam Duston Award and LAHDC Lifetime Achievement Award, respectively. He highlighted the contributions of Abdul Ghani Sheikh and late Lama Lobzang in the field of literature, art and health. He stated that efforts have been made to recognise and appreciate people engaged in tourism activities as Ladakh is celebrating 50 years of tourism in the region.

Advocate Tashi Gyalson stated that dPal rNgam Duston is organised to celebrate the glory and pride of Ladakh and to remember people who have made contributions to the development of Ladakhi society. He said the event is also a platform for the youth to showcase their talent to promote Ladakhi culture.  He also highlighted the development and changes which have taken place in Ladakh over the last five years since the region was declared a Union Territory.

A documentary on the achievements of LAHDC Leh was also screened on the occasion.

There were several performances on the occasion, including musical offering, mask dance or Chhams, Yak-Singge dance, folk performance by artists from Hanley village, theatre performance by artists of Ladakh Theatre Organisation, dance performances by Ladakh Dance Institute, Fitt Dance Institute and Art of Motion, jabro song and dance by Students’ Association of Changthang, performance by Japanese artists, Ladakhi folk song and dance, mimicry performance by Junior Johny Lever, performance by renowned Ladakhi singers, Padma Dolker and Stakmo Dorjey and performances by the winner of Indian Idol, Pawandeep Rajan. Ladakhi bands, Dashugs and Rolyangs also performed on the occasion.