KARGIL APRIL 10, 2021: Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC, Feroz Ahmad Khan inaugurated 2 Days Ladakh Literary Conference, 2021 organized by Ladakh Academy of Culture and Languages (LAACL) Kargil at Conference Hall Baroo here today.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Kargil Tsering Motup was the guest of honor on the occasion while those who sat in the presidium along with the dignitaries included noted Balti poet Akhone Asgar Ali Basharat, President International Association for Ladakh Studies (IALS) Dr Sonam Wangchuk and Dr Konchok Gyatso from Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS), Leh.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest Feroz Ahmad Khan congratulated the LAACL Kargil for organizing such a mega literary conference in Kargil and added that holding of such literary events assume great significance as their sole aim has always remained to promote our culture, identity and languages. He stressed the need for involvement of the younger generation in such events so as to enlighten them about the glorious culture and folk traditions of Ladakh UT, adding he directed the officers of LAACL, Kargil to take steps to organize such programmes in schools, colleges and universities.

The CEC stated that there is need for establishment of clubs and societies at private level to further promote literary endeavors apart from the efforts of the Government, adding he said that the LAHDC Kargil is always there to support the literary and research persons. He said that as a part of the steps of the Government of India to include mother tongue as a part of the National Educational Policy (NEP), LAHDC Kargil is currently working on devising recommendations for introduction of books in schools in local vernacular languages and various language sub-committees have already been framed in this regard.

Feroz Khan on the occasion said that as a Ladakhi, it is the responsibility of all of us to preserve our unique culture, language and traditions. He stressed on the literary persons to make strenuous efforts to pass on the cultural traditions to the next generation.

CEC Khan on the occasion expressed happiness over the participation of young writers, historians, poets and artists of Ladakh in promoting culture and heritage of the place and stated that it is encouraging to see them draw inspiration from the intellectuals which is a positive development and also a need of the time. 

ADC Kargil Tsering Motup in his address expressed optimism that the conference will prove an ideal platform to foster the exchange of ideas besides to enhance understanding among the writers and intellectuals of the twin districts which he stated will prove fruitful to devise further strategies for the promotion of the regional languages. He also appreciated the writers and poets for excellent presentation of poems and research oriented papers.

In his keynote address, President IALS Dr Sonam Wangchuk said that we are witnessing a gap between the present and earlier generations regarding the literary endeavors, however  he also expressed happiness that a lot of literary and research work is being carried out in Kargil and it should continue with more zeal.

Earlier, during the welcome speech, Deputy Secretary/ Special Officer for Cultural Activities G-1, LAACL Kargil Nazir Hussain welcomed the dignitaries and guests and said that the main objective of the workshop is to provide a platform to the writers of different ethnic languages of Ladakh to present their fresh literary endeavors in terms of poetry, short story writing and presentation of research oriented papers.

On the first day of the programme, paper reading and poetry sessions were conducted.

The paper reading session comprised of 3 research oriented paper presentations by Ajaz Hussain Munshi, Dr Konchok Gyatso and Muhammad Shafi Sagar on the topics Purig in the Context of Its Antiquities, History and Origin of E-Gay and its impact on Ladakh and Treaty Road of Central Asia respectively.

Meanwhile, two poetry reading sessions were also conducted in which the poets presented their poems including Akhone Asgar Ali Basharat, Ashraf Ali Sagar, Jigmet Nurboo Khayal Ladakhi, Zakir Hussain Karbalai, Kunchok Tashi, Urgain Tseldum, Sajjad Ali Shujaat, Muhammad Hussain Fayaz, Ghulam Qadir Zaki, Stobdan Paldan, Raza Amjad Badgami, Haji Muhammad Ibrahim Rahi, Gen Nawang Paljor, Muhammad Ali Baba and Ghulam Nabi Skith.

Later, Special Officer for Cultural Activities Kargil Muhammad Ali Tak extended gratitude to all the guests, participating poets, writers and artists for having participated in the event.

Noted scholar and broadcaster Muhammad Sadiq Hardass, eminent Shina Dardi poet and scholar Muhammad Ashraf Sagar and well-known Shina writer and poet Mukhtar Zahid Badgami conducted the proceedings of different sessions held today. 

Writers, poets, district officers, prominent citizens besides a good number of cultural and literary enthusiasts were present on the occasion.