Celebrating the pride and glory of Ladakh, the 7^th edition of the dPal rNGam Duston organised by LAHDC, Leh was celebrated with great enthusiasm on August 5 at NDS ground.

 His Eminence Chosje Togdan Rinpoche was posthumously awarded the LAHDC Leh Lifetime Achievement Award 2023 while Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre (LSRC) was conferred with the Ladakh dPal rNgam Duston Award 2023 commemorating the glorious diamond jubilee celebrations of the formation of LSRC.  

LG appreciated the organisers and the performers for making the event successful and also to LSRC for completing the diamond jubilee this year. Commending the people of Ladakh and jawans of LSRC for fighting unitedly against the enemy forces for the security and integrity of the nation, LG stated that the people of Ladakh are cultured and brave and their bravery is acknowledged by the entire nation.

Informing about the best wishes sent by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi on the UT Declaration Day, LG stated that Narendra Modi is concerned about the prosperity and holistic development of Ladakh.

Calling himself ‘lucky’ to get the opportunity to work for the welfare of the people of Ladakh, LG stated that his motto is to take Ladakh forward on the path of development, make the UT ‘Corruption and Delay-Free’ and make Ladakh the best Union Territory.

LG shared some of the initiatives being taken by the UT Administration for the benefit of the people of Ladakh, viz. the increase in ex-gratia provided to the next of kin of the martyred Army personnel from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 30 lakhs; the efforts being made to establish one more battalion of LSRC; the plan to establish Ladakh’s own State Recruitment Board for the benefit of aspiring candidates looking for jobs; the setting up of a Sainik School in Ladakh; the drafting of Industrial Policy for the benefit of Ladakhi entrepreneurs and start-ups; the exercise of rationalisation of boundaries of Karakoram and Changthang Wildlife Sanctuaries; the efforts being made to reduce the mortality rate of the kids of pashmina goats as ‘pashmina is the identity of Ladakh;’ the operation of Indian Air Force (IAF) flights in the winter months for the convenience of passengers, particularly patients, students and pilgrims from Ladakh who suffer due to the exorbitant airfare charged by the private airlines; the plan to send troupes from Ladakh to the Raj Bhawans/Raj Niwas of all the states and UTs of India to celebrate Ladakh’s Foundation Day; the plan to send girls from Ladakh for Polo training under the President’s Body Guard at New Delhi, etc.

CEC Tashi Gyalson added that the four years of the new UT of Ladakh have strived hard to fulfill and overcome the backwardness that Ladakh was wedged in for the past 70 years. The new UT has provided an opportunity to ensure that growth and development are based on people’s aspirations and that the basic amenities are reached to all despite the sequestered nature of the region, covering the border areas as well.

He added that in this new UT, the UT Administration and the Hill Councils are making concerted efforts and working hard for the holistic development of Ladakh and to carry forward the legacy of holistically building the new UT. 

Acknowledging the environmentally sensitive and geographically strategic location of Ladakh, CEC Gyalson added that the new UT of Ladakh holds a non-compromising vision regarding its development and also added that the responsibility of building this new UT falls on every individual of Ladakh along with its administration.

Recounting the immeasurable contributions of His Eminence Tokdan Rinpoche in all spheres of life of the Ladakhi people, CEC Gyaslon urged LG Ladakh to that the highest of highest recognition is bestowed upon him for his service. He also commended the unforgettable service rendered by the Ladakh Scouts in the name of the nation. He lauded the valour and selfless dedication of the serving soldiers, the retired league, the martyred, and the families of the soldiers including the Veer Naris for their contribution and expressed heartfelt gratitude.

MP Ladakh, JamyangTsering Namgyal, in his speech, recounted the sacrifices of the leaders like Kushok Bakula Rinpoche and the people of Ladakh in their demand for the status of Union Territory for Ladakh and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for fulfilling the long pending and genuine demand of UT status in 2019 thereby granting a new lease of life to the people of Ladakh.

Various cultural performances, including a musical folk ensemble, performances by Karate kids and Dune Kids, and a theatrical play depicting the origin and history of Ladakh Scouts along with their bravery and selfless contributions were showcased for the large gathering assembled for the celebration of Ladakh dPal rNgam Duston 2023.