The birth anniversary of the late Tashi Rabgais, a renowned scholar and historian, was commemorated as Ladakh Literature Day on October 20. This year's event, organised by LAHDC Leh, the Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, and the Tashi Rabgais Memorial Trust, celebrated his contributions to Ladakh’s cultural and literary heritage.

Dr. Jamyang Gyaltson, a scholar, writer, and recipient of the State Award in Literature, was honored with the 3rd Ladakh Literary Award for his work in preserving Ladakh’s culture and literature through poetry, drama, and grammar.

Thupstan Norbu, Editor at the Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, highlighted Tashi Rabgais's significant impact on Ladakh's society, urging the youth to follow his path in preserving Ladakh’s language, scripture, and culture. The day not only celebrated his works but also fostered discussions among experts on preserving his literary legacy for future generations.

Deputy Chairman of LAHDC Leh, Tsering Angchuk, announced that the newly opened district library would be named in Tashi Rabgais’s honor. He emphasized Rabgais’s influence on emerging scholars and underscored the importance of the Bhoti language. Angchuk also spoke about the administration’s initiatives to recruit Bhoti teachers in schools and the establishment of a research lab dedicated to the Bhoti language at DIET Leh. He noted that the day celebrated Ladakh’s rich culture, history, literature, and heritage, and announced upcoming projects like panchayat libraries and a cultural center in Leh.

Executive Councillor Stanzin Chosphel congratulated the writers of newly launched books and encouraged local authors to take advantage of LAHDC Leh’s financial support for publishing. He also shared LAHDC’s initiative to document the historical and cultural heritage of Leh’s villages through digital media.
Wangyal Tsering, President of the Tashi Rabgais Memorial Trust, spoke about the Trust’s efforts to revive Rabgais’s writings and songs for the younger generation. He expressed gratitude to former MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal and LAHDC Leh for recognizing Rabgais’s contributions by commemorating his birthday as Ladakh Literature Day.

He also thanked LAHDC for their support in digitizing Rabgais’s songs.

On the occasion, reprinted editions of Rabgais’s works, including Ladakh Tradition and Changes (2009), Sustainable Spirituality in Buddhism (2009), and Jigsten Kuntu Gawe Luu (poems and songs), were launched by the Tashi Rabgais Memorial Trust.

Additionally, under the Tsomrig Yarsket scheme, two new publications—Ning gi rBalabs by Thinles Stanzin of Chushul and Kopong by Angdu Dorjey, documenting the history and techniques of the Kopong game—were launched, supported by the Department of Information & Public Relations and LAHDC Leh-Ladakh.

Prominent scholars, including Professor Lobzang Tsewang, Gyen Thupstan Paldan, Dr. Tsewang Yangzes, Dr. Tsewang Gyalson, Ven Tsewang Yangjor, and Dr. Konchok Gyatso, presented papers on Tashi Rabgais's works, emphasizing the significance of the Bhoti language.

The event concluded with performances of songs composed by Tashi Rabgais.