Q. Briefly tell us about yourself.

I am 75 years old and my educational journey spans back 65 years. In the early days, Ladakh had only a few small schools, making educational opportunities limited. Despite these challenges, in 1959, I was fortunate to receive an opportunity to study outside Ladakh in Varanasi. I spent 15 years in Varanasi pursuing my education. I completed my matriculation and intermediate studies at a government school. Following this, I graduated from the prestigious Banaras Hindu University. Additionally, I obtained a one-year postgraduate diploma in Journalism. This diverse and extensive educational background has greatly contributed to my personal and professional development.

Q. Can you tell us about your journey of becoming an author? How many books have you published to date?

As I mentioned earlier, I hold a postgraduate diploma in journalism, where I learned the fundamentals of writing. This education provided me with great opportunities and sparked my passion for writing books. During my college years, I had the chance to explore cities like Madras, Bombay, and Calcutta, which broadened my horizons and inspired my writing.

Realizing my capability to write books, I began my journey as an author. In addition to authoring books, I frequently wrote articles about Ladakh, which were published in various newspapers during that period.

To date, I have published several books, each reflecting my deep connection to Ladakh and my experiences gained throughout my educational and professional journey.

After completing my journalism course, I was appointed as a research officer in the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages. In this role, I was assigned to write books in the Ladakhi language. Although I was not proficient in the Bodhi language, my fluency in English and Hindi enabled me to write effectively. In 1976, I wrote a book titled "Lokhor Gi Deb," which was officially published by the government. The book became popular and well-received by the public.

During my 35 years of service at the J&K Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages, I continued to publish books to promote the Ladakhi language. By the time I retired, I had published 200 books, each reflecting my deep connection to Ladakh and my experiences gained throughout my educational and professional journey.

Q. Share with us your experiences and major accomplishments as the head of the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages.

During my 35-year tenure at the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages, I dedicated 25 years to serving as the head of department, chief editor, and cultural officer. My primary focus was the promotion of Ladakhi language and culture, which has been a lifelong passion of mine. One of the significant milestones in my career occurred in 1982 when, at the age of 28, I had the honor of delivering a lecture on promoting Ladakhi language and culture at a seminar on Ladakhi and Tibetan languages held in New York, USA, attended by representatives from over 35 countries.

I have authored numerous books in English, with "A Cultural History of Ladakh" being particularly popular, having sold around 6000 copies to date. I am deeply grateful for the readers' interest and appreciation of this work. Among my achievements, I take pride in writing my autobiography titled "Autobiography of a Ladakhi," spanning 300 pages, which has received heartfelt appreciation from readers for its depth and sincerity.

Throughout my career, I organized various seminars, including international, national, and local events focused on Skyabjey Bakula Rinpoche, the revered founder of Ladakh. Publications related to his contributions continue to enrich the understanding of Ladakh's cultural heritage.

After retiring from government service in 2010, I initiated the publication of "Ladakh Review," which has seen the release of 10 volumes to date. This endeavor aims to uphold the pride of Ladakh through scholarly exploration and documentation.

Despite these accomplishments, I sometimes feel disheartened by the current lack of widespread public engagement in preserving and promoting Ladakhi language and culture. However, my commitment remains unwavering, and I continue to advocate tirelessly for the recognition and preservation of Ladakh's rich cultural heritage.

Q. There is a demand for the inclusion of the Bhoti language in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution. What do you have to say about it?

It is true that there has been a call for the inclusion of the Bhoti language in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution. I believe I have a comprehensive understanding of this issue, as it dates back to 1972 when I was in my first year of college. This issue has persisted for over 50 years, but there is a fundamental misunderstanding regarding the term "Bhoti."

Historically, a Himalayan association sought support from Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim to promote this language. However, these regions declined, stating that their languages, Bhotiya and Monskat, have distinct origins in the Bhotiya and Mon traditions. They communicated this stance to the Government of India through their chief secretary and commissioner secretary.

In my view, the origin of all these languages—Bhotiya, Monskat, and Ladakhi—is "Bhodhyik." If Bhodhyik were recognized, it would resolve the issue comprehensively. Therefore, I believe that the primary focus should be on advocating for the inclusion of "Bhodhyik" in the 8th Schedule.

As I have consistently stated, there is no such term as "Bhoti"; our language is "Bodhyik." Ladakh has historically been known as Little Tibet due to its cultural, traditional, and religious ties to Tibet. Early scholars and researchers referred to Ladakh as Tibet because of these shared attributes. If we do not follow the same rituals as Tibetans, we lack a separate set of rituals unique to Ladakh.

While the demand for Bhoti is well-intentioned, the more accurate term to pursue for constitutional recognition is "Bhodhyik." This will honor the true linguistic and cultural origins and address the broader concerns effectively.

Q. In this digital world, the reading culture or habit is declining. What do you have to say about the reading habit in Ladakh?

The habit of reading is extremely important, especially in today's world where there are countless books about Ladakh. From my experience, most of my published books are read by outsiders and foreigners who are more inclined towards reading compared to Ladakhis. Foreign researchers tend to know more about Ladakh because they invest time in reading, whereas many Ladakhis seem less interested in their own rich heritage.

The situation among Ladakhi people is quite concerning—they lack readers, learners, and writers, and there is little curiosity or engagement with their cultural and literary heritage. This lack of interest is often overshadowed by political concerns, which become prominent around election times, including debates over the Bhoti language.

For development in various fields like education, language, and culture, understanding and valuing "Bhodhyik" is essential. The teaching of Bodhyik in Ladakh dates back to pre-independence times, established by a great pandit from India. In the 1930s, Lotsava Tsetan Phuntsok launched Bodhi books. After independence, the J&K government published Bodhi books, not Bhoti. Currently, several associations are publishing Bhoti books, which is misleading. Everyone must understand that the language spoken by the people of Ladakh is "Ladakhi."

To foster growth and preservation of our heritage, it is crucial for Ladakhis to cultivate a strong reading culture. This will enable them to appreciate their own history and contribute meaningfully to its documentation and promotion.

Q. What are the challenges you see in Ladakh’s literature and what can be done to promote it?

One of the main challenges in Ladakh’s literature is the complexity of language used by modern poets. Tashi Rabgyas, considered the father of Ladakhi literature, composed songs before independence that remain popular today because they were written in Phalskat, a simple and easily understandable dialect. In contrast, contemporary poets often use complex words that are difficult for the general public to understand.

I always advocate for using Phalskat and simple words in literary works. It is perfectly acceptable to make grammatical mistakes, as we are here to correct them in the cultural academy. Simplicity in language ensures that literature is accessible to a wider audience, fostering greater appreciation and engagement.

Despite these challenges, I am proud of my contributions to Ladakhi literature. I have been able to publish 200 books, facilitating a process of conversation with the National Academy of Letters. They are considering recognizing the Bodhi language, which would be a significant achievement, potentially even more impactful than inclusion in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

To promote Ladakh’s literature, it is essential to:

1. Encourage Simplicity: Use Phalskat and simple language in literary works to make them more accessible.
2. Support Writers: Provide platforms and resources for writers to publish their work.
3. Cultural Education: Educate the younger generation about the importance of their literary heritage.
4. Recognition and Awards: Pursue national recognition and awards to validate and honor Ladakhi literature.
5. Community Engagement: Organize literary festivals, workshops, and readings to engage the community and promote a culture of reading and writing.

By addressing these challenges and implementing these strategies, we can ensure that Ladakh’s rich literary heritage continues to thrive and inspire future generations.

Q. As a researcher of Ladakh’s history, what differences do you find in terms of tradition, culture, and language between ancient Ladakh and modern Ladakh?

There have been significant changes. In my youth, ancient practices and traditions were widely observed, and it was easier for scholars to document and write about those times. However, today's youth are largely unfamiliar with Ladakh's traditional terms and rituals. If asked to write about Ladakh's traditions or traditional dress, their first reaction is often confusion, as they lack knowledge of ancient customs and practices.

Additionally, the language spoken by many young people today is a mix of various influences, and they are not well-versed in proper Ladakhi. This linguistic shift poses a challenge for preserving the language in its pure form.

To address these challenges, it is crucial for individuals to take personal responsibility in preserving our cultural heritage. This includes making efforts to learn and use the Ladakhi language correctly and to understand and maintain our ancient traditions and rituals. Only through dedicated efforts can we ensure that the rich heritage of Ladakh is preserved for future generations.

Message to the Readers

We must strive for perfection in learning our language, as it is essential for achieving higher standards. Replacing school books with "Ladakh's Si Deb" will help foster love for our language and ensure recognition from religious heads, promoting and preserving the Ladakhi language.