Diplomat Correspondent
Leh,DD:In a significant step towards preserving the rich cultural and historical heritage of Ladakh, the Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) Adv. Tashi Gyalson LAHDC Leh officially launched the ‘Ladags Norskal’ heritage documentation project along with its dedicated website.
The initiative, spearheaded by LAHDC Leh, is a comprehensive effort to record and analyze all historical sites across the district, spanning 95 panchayats and one Urban Local Body, and covering nearly 190 villages and hamlets.
Addressing the gathering, the Hon’ble CEC expressed satisfaction at the successful completion of the project’s pilot phase in the Singey Lalok Block.
He commended the entire team for their dedication and hard work and reaffirmed the Council’s ongoing support for the project’s wider implementation.
He described Ladags Norskal as a precious and visionary initiative, one that holds immense value not only for the Council but for the entire region of Ladakh.
The launch event was attended by a wide range of dignitaries and stakeholders. Among those present were the Executive Councillors Ghulam Mehdi, Tashi Namgyal, and Stanzin Chosphel, along with Councillors Tsering Sandup, Konchok Stanzin, Ishey Spalzang, and Sh. Karma Namdak. Nominated Councillor Dr. Yangchen Dolma was also in attendance.
The expert committee behind Ladags Norskal was also present, featuring contributions from respected figures such as historian Elijah Gergan, author G. M. Sheikh, culture expert and Deputy Secretary Sh. Tsewang Paljor, and LBA heritage representative Wangyal Tsering.
The project’s implementation team from Plannable Consultants, led by Executive Director Konchok Tashi, participated in the event and shared insights into the documentation process and methodology.
The event also witnessed the presence of various religious leaders and community heads from across Ladakh, including President of LBA Leh Tsering Dorjay, President of Anjuman Imamia Leh, Ashraf Ali Barcha, President of Sufi Nurbakshi Haji Mohammad Ali, and President of Anjuman Moin-Ul-Islam Imtiaz Hussain.
Women’s leadership was represented by Ayesha Malo and Nasreen Maryam, presidents of the women’s wings of Anjuman Moin-Ul-Islam and Anjuman Imamia, respectively. Youth representation included Sh. Jigmet Raftan of LBA Youth Leh and Sh. Irfan Bari of Anjuman Moin-Ul-Islam Youth.
Also in attendance were prominent writers, authors, historians, political figures, and heads of monasteries from across the region, showcasing a broad and enthusiastic response to the cultural call.
The ceremony began with the traditional lighting of the lamp by the CEC, followed by a presentation of promotional videos, animated storytelling segments, and visual highlights from the pilot project in Singey Lalok. These audio-visual elements were designed to engage audiences of all age groups and foster greater awareness of Ladakh’s rich cultural tapestry.
The program included expert talks emphasizing the role of video and visual documentation, and the urgent need to integrate technology into heritage conservation practices.
As part of the occasion, the Hon’ble CEC formally launched the Ladags Norskal website, unveiled the first heritage documentation book produced under the project, and released a Losar-themed coffee table book.
In his address, the CEC emphasized that documenting and preserving oral histories, particularly from remote villages, is not only vital for maintaining cultural memory but also beneficial for tourism.
These stories and practices, he noted, offer a unique insight into Ladakh’s indigenous traditions and should be recorded at a micro level before they are lost.
The CEC reaffirmed that the preservation of culture and heritage has long been a core mandate of LAHDC.
He spoke of his vision to establish a dedicated Cultural Centre in Ladakh—an initiative close to his heart.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts by the Council to support local healers such as Amchis and Onpos, and to create better publishing opportunities for Ladakhi writers, scholars, and young authors.
In conclusion, the CEC made a heartfelt appeal to experts, youth, writers, and culturally concerned citizens to actively engage with and contribute to the Ladags Norskal project.
He described it as a collective mission to protect and promote Ladakh’s heritage for future generations.DD
