Diplomat Correspondent
Kargil, DD: The Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation (HCHF), in collaboration with the Association of Baltis in Himalayan Ladakh and Territories of Indus (ABHLTI), successfully organized the Second Confluence of Balti Culture in Kargil on Sunday.
This event followed the first edition held in Uttarakhand in 2023, which was highly acclaimed for its success. The theme of this year’s confluence was “Reflecting on the Balti Cultural Heritage: Challenges and New Directions.”
The programme began with a welcome address by Mohd Ali Ashour, President of ABHLTI, followed by a keynote address by Mohd Sadiq Hardasi, who spoke on the historical evolution and rich cultural legacy of the Balti community.
Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon attended as the Chief Guest. In his address, he expressed his pride in being part of the confluence and shared his delight at sitting alongside eminent scholars, poets, writers, and intellectuals from across Ladakh and other states. He emphasized the immense importance of preserving the Balti and Purgi languages and cultural traditions, and highlighted the community’s ongoing efforts to have their native languages recognized and supported by the government.
Dr. Akhoon congratulated Dr. Sonam Wangchok and the organizers for their remarkable contributions toward preserving the Balti language and cultural identity. He underscored the significance of introducing native languages in schools, describing it as a vital step toward cultural preservation and generational continuity. The CEC reaffirmed that LAHDC Kargil is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the linguistic and cultural heritage of the region and assured all possible institutional and logistical support for such initiatives.
The event concluded with a mesmerizing musical performance by popular Balti singer Sadiq Ali Ashoor, whose soulful renditions of Balti folk songs and ghazals captivated the audience.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Anayat Ali Shotopa, HCHF Kargil Convener, while the event was ably anchored by Sipte Hasan Kaleem.
In his remarks, Dr. Sonam Wangchok, Founder of HCHF, stated that the Balti Confluence series aims to connect Balti communities across India and beyond, while strengthening collective efforts to preserve and promote Balti language, literature, and cultural heritage. He emphasized that HCHF works to safeguard the cultural and natural heritage of the Himalayas, transcending religious, political, and regional boundaries. Dr. Wangchok further shared that future editions of the Balti Confluence would be organized at both national and international levels to further empower and unite the Balti community.
The confluence featured insightful paper presentations by scholars and researchers on various aspects of Balti culture, history, literature, and community life.
Dr. Ghulam Mehdi presented on Voluntary Agencies and Community Development: Case Studies from the Balti Community of Leh–Ladakh; Prof. Mohammad Hassan Hazrat from Baltistan discussed the Archaeological and Architectural Heritage of Baltistan; Prof. Sujat Khan spoke on Balti Families and Their Traditions in Jammu; Asan Ali Danis from Baltistan explored Balti Literature; and Wahida Reezwan presented on Balti Language and Culture.
Other speakers included Adv. Gulzar (Balti Folk Songs: Their Cultural Significance and Challenges of Preservation), Ajaz Hussain Munshi (Influence of Balti Literature and Emerging Challenges), Dr. Mehdi Ali (Divided by Border, United by Cultural Heritage: The Historical Legacy of the Chorbat Valley), and Mohammad Zameer (The Future of Balti Culture and Language in Uttarakhand).
A Mushaira celebrating the rich Balti poetic tradition was also held, featuring renowned poets including Hadi Balti, Bashir Wafa, Akhon Asgar Ali Basharat, and Ali Asgar Rinchan, who recited soulful verses reflecting the Balti identity, heritage, and emotional connection to their homeland and traditions.
The concluding session was graced by
The confluence reaffirmed that the Balti Cultural Confluence is a community-driven initiative, bringing together scholars, historians, poets, and cultural practitioners dedicated to preserving and promoting the Balti language and heritage across regions and generations.DD
