Kargil, July 27, 2026/ VOL News Desk/ The All Kargil (Ladakh) Students Association Delhi (AKSAD) organised a special programme titled “Faskat Marjat” (meaning “Do not forget your mother tongue”) in Kargil to promote and preserve regional languages. The event was held on July 27 at the Cultural Academy Hall, Lal Chowk, Kargil, with a focus on encouraging younger generations to stay connected with their linguistic and cultural heritage.

The programme was attended by retired IAS officer Kacho Asfandiyar Khan as the chief guest, while Manzoor Hussain, Councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Kargil and an AKSAD alumnus, was present as the guest of honour.
A key feature of the event was a series of insightful talks by language experts representing different regional tongues of Ladakh. Dr Mukhtar Zahid spoke on the history, evolution, and linguistic significance of the Shina language.

Mohammad Sadiq Hardassi emphasised the need to promote the Balti language through daily usage and literary activities to ensure its survival. Meanwhile, Issa Sabri shed light on the importance of the Purgi language, its current usage, and recent developments in its script aimed at aligning it with modern writing standards.

Speakers collectively stressed that preserving Ladakh’s indigenous languages and cultural heritage is essential, particularly among the youth. They underlined the importance of passing on linguistic traditions to future generations to maintain a strong cultural identity.

The programme was anchored by Hameed Ali Qarari, who effectively moderated the sessions. At the conclusion of the event, AKSAD honoured the chief guest, guest of honour, and speakers with mementoes.

Reaffirming its commitment, AKSAD stated that it will continue to organise such educational and cultural initiatives in the future to safeguard Ladakh’s linguistic diversity and foster awareness and appreciation for mother tongues among the younger generation.