MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurates Art and Photo Exhibition showcasing Ladakh’s GI treasures in New Delhi

New Delhi, Nov 26: To showcase the Geographical Indication treasures of Ladakh, an exclusive Photo Exhibition and Live Demonstration of all the GI-tagged products of Ladakh has begun at the All-India Fine Art & Crafts Society, New Delhi.

The Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Ind Charge) for Science & Technology/DoPT/PMO, Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the exhibition in the presence of the Hon’ble Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Leh, Tashi Gyalson, and Hon’ble Executive Councillor for Industries/Handicraft/Handloom, LAHDC Leh, Ghulam Mehdi at a ceremonial function organised at AIFACS Gallery, New Delhi.

* Click to Follow Voice of Ladakh on WhatsApp *

Special Guest on the occasion was His Eminence, Taklung Matrul Rinpoche. Other esteemed dignitaries included Joint Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Ajeet Kumar Sahu; Joint Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Preet Pal Singh; Senior Journalists from Delhi, General Secretary Ashoka Mission Delhi, Tashi Motup Kau, Colonnel Rinchen Dorje, Manager Ladakh Buddhist Vihara, President BJP Leh. Officials from Ladakh Bhawan Delhi, participant artists from Ladakh including Padma Shri Awardee Tsering Namgyal, students and volunteers from Ladakh Student Welfare Society, New Delhi, and a large number of Ladakhis were in attendance during the opening ceremony of Ladakh’s Pride.

Hon’ble Minister, Dr. Jitendra Singh commended LAHDC Leh led by CEC Tashi Gyalson for successfully showcasing Ladakh’s Geographical Indication treasures on a national platform. He emphasised the union government’s commitment to developing Ladakh across various sectors, encouraging the people to showcase their unique culture, art, and traditions. Dr. Jitendra Singh also highlighted the ongoing projects, including the establishment of a Dark Sky Sanctuary at Hanle, aimed at boosting rural tourism and allied sectors in Ladakh.  

Highlighting Ladakh’s role in India’s overall growth, Dr. Jitendra Singh urged the people of Ladakh to actively participate in the nation’s comprehensive vision aimed at becoming a developed nation by 2047.

Addressing the gathering, CEC Tashi Gyalson informed that the Hill Council, Leh has been successfully able to bring the hidden arts and traditions of Ladakh in the form of Geographical Indication treasures to the capital city complementing the achievements of the current government post-formation of Union Territory of Ladakh. He expressed gratitude to the Union Government led by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi for supporting and fulfilling Ladakh’s aspirations and outlined the Hill Council Leh’s collaborative efforts with the Ladakh Administration for the holistic development of Ladakh.

Addressing past challenges of recognition for Ladakhi art and products, H’CEC informed that receiving prestigious GI Tags has opened doors of opportunity globally for Ladakh’s traditions and unique products. He thanked the Hon’ble Minister for gracing the occasion and also for his assistance in various developmental initiatives to strengthen Ladakh in various sectors.

EC Handicraft/Handloom, Ghulam Mehdi also addressed the audience and highlighted the achievements of LAHDC Leh over the past few years in the overall comprehensive development of Ladakh. He thanked the Union Minister, Chairman LAHDC Leh, and all the organising committee of this unique exhibition for the successful conduct of the opening event, showcasing the GI treasures of Ladakh to the outside world. He emphasised the need for collective collaboration to ensure Ladakh’s art and products reach a wider audience.

Exhibition Curator, Vijay Kranti presented the note of thanks and the programme concluded with colorful cultural performances by the students and volunteers of Ladakh Student Welfare Society, New Delhi.