Kargil, July 16: Chairman/CEC, LAHDC, Kargil, Feroz Ahmad Khan today attended a day-long literary-cum-cultural seminar at the historic Mausoleum of rGyal Bibi at Karchey khar organized by Purig Cultural and Literary Society Kargil.

The CEC was the chief guest while Joint Director, Information, Ladakh, Imteeaz Kacho was the guest of honor on the occasion. BDC Barsoo, Councilors from Barsoo and Thasgam, writers, poets, Sarpanches, Panches, and a large number of locals attended the program.

In his address, the CEC stressed the need to revive the rich old Purgi linguistic and cultural tradition which bears values according to the local culture.

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Khan appreciated the efforts of PCLS in the preservation of old tradition and culture. He stressed for initiating a debate for developing consensus on adopting the language as Ladakhi as suggested by the scholars from Leh NT Shakspo and Khenpo K. Phandey.

Joint Director, Information, Ladakh, Imteeaz Kacho expressed his views in local Purgi language to mark the significance of preservation of local language and culture.

He said organizing such events at historically important places manifest the importance of local heritages. Kacho also appreciated the efforts of the PCLS for preservation and promotion of the local culture.

General Secretary, PCLS, Taqi Khan Nayab presented welcome address to all the dignitaries on behalf of the host organization.

Noted writers from Leh, Khenpo Konchok Phandey and Nawang Tsering Shakspo, presented papers on origin and development of languages in Ladakh through the ages.

Kacho Asfandyar Khan, a renowned Purgi writer and retired IAS Officer presented a talk on Suru Kartse in Old folksongs (Rgyanglu).

Mohammad Kazim, a local elder presented a Purgi folk story (zGrums) and Zehra bi presented Purigi (tSod) a traditional sarcastic puzzle form.

Nawang Tsering Shakspo and Khenpo Konchok Phandey presented their papers on Ladakhi Languages. Both scholars stressed literary debate among all Ladakhi writers to explore Ladakhi identity in terms of language and culture.

Nasir-Ud-Din Khafee member PCLS presented vote of thanks on behalf of the host organization.

Later in the afternoon session, a poetry recitation session was also conducted. The session was presided over by renowned Purgi poet, Syed Raza Rizvi Faroona. Seven poets presented their poetry compositions on diverse topics in the Purgi language. Councilors Barsoo and Thasgam also appreciated the efforts of PCLS in their concluding speeches.

During the program an awareness book on food habits which was translated to Purgi by a noted Purgi writer Muhammed Issa Sabari was released by the CEC.