KARGIL, MARCH 21, 2021: Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC, Kargil Feroz Ahmad Khan chaired as the chief guest at the Jashn-e- Nauroz celebrations organized by the Department of Tourism Kargil at Sankoo here today.

Executive Councilor for Social Welfare Aga Syed Hassan Arman, Executive Councillor for Works Mubarak Shah Nagvi, Executive Councillor for Zanskar Affairs Er Punchog Tashi, Sub Divisional Magistrate Sankoo Ghulam Mohiuddin, Assistant Director Tourism Aga Syed Toha, district officers, BDC Chairpersons, Sarpanchs, Panchs, senior citizens besides locals were present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, CEC Feroz Khan said that 3 million people are celebrating Nauroz all over the world, with this event a new season has begun and the agricultural activities also embark with this celebration. While making mention of the panic and uncertainty brought by the COVID-19 pandemic especially during the previous year, CEC urged people to pray for happiness and prosperity in the coming year.

“It is an obligation on our part to preserve and promote the local culture, language and traditions. Culture is our identity without which we cannot recognize who we are”, the CEC said.

CEC Khan underlined the need to develop home stays, guest houses, private camps and travel agencies by the unemployed youth which are the feasible ways to promote tourism. He assured to take up the issue of the development of Sankoo Development Authority with the concerned higher-ups.

Our plan is to develop ice hockey rinks in each Panchayat Halqa and there is a plan of Tourism Department for this spring to explore trekking routes, the CEC added while responding to the memorandum presented by the people of Sankoo.

The CEC further announced that a Degree College has almost been sanctioned in Sankoo for which the process will start soon and the plan is to start classes this year.

Earlier, during the welcome speech, Executive Councillor for Tourism Er Phunchog Tashi congratulated the dignitaries and people on the Persian New Year, Nauroz.

He said that the Department of Tourism is focusing on organizing various events in different parts of the district to promote tourism and folk culture.

The EC said that efforts are also being made to explore potential of winter sports and tourism in the district while focusing on bringing in more professionalism in dealing with tourism related activities. He said that in coming days, various concrete measures are being taken to promote tourism at all levels in the district.

On the occasion, various prominent poets including Ghulam Muhammad, Muhammad Sajjad, Ahmad Olpa, Vilayat Ali and Muhammad Hassan Narambi presented their poetic compositions on the theme of Nouroz.

The Ranthag Theatre Group Kargil also presented a play on the theme “Eid Mubarak” while Nayab Records presented a Bait Bazi that presented a comparison of traditional and modern era.

Meanwhile, locals showcased local artifacts and traditional tools in an exhibition held on the occasion while a local traditional Archery match was also conducted.

AD Tourism Aga Syed Toha delivered the vote of thanks to the guests, dignitaries and locals for making the event successful.