Kargil/ Jan. 05: Acting Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC, Kargil Mubarak Shah Nagvi inaugurated Two Days Kargil Ladakh Losar. The event is a traditional new year cultural and literary festival organized by Ladakh Academy of Culture and Languages (LAACL) at Language Center New Academy Complex, Kargil here today.

Executive Councillor for Tourism Er Phunsog Tashi was the guest of honor on the occasion. Other guests included Balti poet Akhone Asgar Ali Basharat, State awardee Shina Dardi poet and writer Ghulam Ahmad Khan Jawan and prominent Purgi poet Aga Syed Raza Shah Razvi.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest Mubarak Shah Nagvi while extending warm greetings and wishes to the people of Ladakh on Losar and prayed for prosperity, peace, and good health. He said that 2020 was a tough year for the whole humanity due to challenges thrown by the COVID-19 pandemic and hoped that the New Year brings happiness and joy to all.

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The acting CEC expressed happiness over the participation of young writers, historians, poets and artists of district Kargil 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 need of the time.

The EC reiterated the commitment of LAHDC, Kargil in the promotion and preservation of cultural heritage and assured of all out support and cooperation to the LAACL Kargil for satisfactory fulfillment of its mandate.

EC Tashi said that Kargil has unique multiethnic culture and linguistic traditions on account of which people across the globe come here to witness and adore this great culture. He stressed on the revival of culture and heritage and urged the local clubs, organizations and volunteers to come forward and work towards the promotion and preservation of art, culture and languages adding that the officers of LAACL should extend all out support to such organizations and individuals.

Earlier, during the welcome speech, Deputy Secretary/ Special Officer for Cultural Activities G-1, LAACL Kargil Nazir Hussain announced that LAACL Kargil is going to organize a 15 days traditional music workshop and cultural programmes during Mamani Food Festival in the coming days.

In the poetry reading session poets including Ghulam Ahmad Khan Jawan, Bashir Ahmad Wafa, Muhammad Ali Baba, Fazil Abbas Turtuki, Hadi Ali Balti, Muhammad Yasin Ansari, Skarma Junglay, Akbar Ali Khan Shaheen, Raza Amjad Badgami, Ghulam Nabi Skith, Abdul Rehman Misbahi, Ghulam Murtaza Advocate, and Aga Syed Kazim.

          The paper reading and short story recital sessions comprised of two research-oriented paper presentations by Ajaz Hussain Munshi and Muhammad Sadiq Hardassi on the topics Collection of Indian and Central Asian Coins and Currencies at Munshi Aziz Bhat Museum Kargil and Balti Traditional New Year-Losar respectively while Muhammad Taqi Khan presented a short story titled Lschama in Purgi language.

          Meanwhile, folk singers and musicians including Yasmin Fatima, Fatima Nissa, Tundup Fokar, Muhammad Sadiq Ashour, Ghulam Muhammad, Tsering Namgyal, Muhammad Abbass Skith and Sonam Wangdus presented Balti and Purgi folk songs which were highly applauded and enjoyed by the audience.

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 despite severe cold and snowfall.

Noted Purgi writer, poet and broadcaster Muhammad Issa Sabiri conducted the proceedings of different sessions held today.

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

It is pertinent to mention that the festival will continue tomorrow also.