DIPR, UT Ladakh organizes First Himalayan Writers Conclave Leh, November 11, 2024.

DIPR, UT Ladakh organizes First Himalayan Writers Conclave Leh, November 11, 2024: The Department of Information & Public Relations, UT Ladakh, organized a day-long “Himalayan Writers Conclave” in Leh, bringing together literary figures from across the Himalayan region. Hon’ble Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of LAHDC, Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson, was the Chief Guest, with Padma Angmo, Commissioner Secretary/Social Welfare & Tribal Affairs, Higher Education and Technical Education was the Guest of Honour. In his address, CEC Adv. Tashi Gyalson commended Department of Information & Public Relations (DIPR), Ladakh for their efforts in organizing the event, providing a common platform for Himalayan writers to connect and share ideas. He emphasized the importance of writers in inspiring and guiding the society, acknowledging the notable contributions of Ladakhi authors over the years. Further, he highlighted the need to revive reading culture in society and advised that youth should be engaged in such conclaves. He also threw light on the various initiatives taken by LAHDC-Leh to encourage and promote young writers through various schemes such as Tsomrig Yarsket. Commissioner/Secretary, Padma Angmo expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to engage with the literary community of Ladakh. She emphasized translation of stories from Ladakh for audiences outside Ladakh and taking it to a wider audience through digital media. She stated that Ladakh can have a Ladakh Literature Festival on the lines of Jaipur Literature Festival and engage with writers and scholars from all over India. IN his welcome address, Administrative Secretary, Information & Public Relations, UT Ladakh, Vikram Singh Malik welcomed the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour as well as the scholars and authors of Ladakh attending the event and emphasized that the event’s objective is to foster Knowledge sharing among writers from various Himalayan States/UTs. He highlighted the importance of collaboration in making the Conclave a productive and successful event. During the event, the biography of Geshe Ishey Thabkas written by Dr.Jamyang Gyaltsan was launched. The book was unveiled by CEC Adv. Tashi Gyalson, Commissioner/ Secretary Padma Angmo and Administrative Secretary in the presence of Dr.Jamyang Gyaltsan and notable writers of Ladakh. One of the key highlights of the event was the Theatrical Play on the ‘Life of Scholar Tashi Rabgyas’ presented by Ladakh Theatre Organization led by Director Mipham Otsal. A book exhibition was also a part of the event. The event featured four compelling sessions with panelists from Leh, Kargil and the State of Arunachal Pradesh. The first session, titled “Preserving Ladakh’s Cultural Heritage in the face of Modernization,” was moderated by Lundup Gyalpo and featured an insightful panel comprising Ven. Thupstan Paldan, Kacho Asfandyar Khan (IAS, Retd.), Dr. Jamyang Gyalsan, and Dr. Sonam Wangchuk. Following this, Dr Stanzin Lhaskyabs moderated the second session, “Echoes of the Himalayas—Narrating Nature, Culture, and Heritage,” with contributions from panelists Nending Ommo, Chatung Lowang, Dr. Sonam Spalzin and Raza Amjad Badgami. The third session, titled “Mountain Mysticism and Spirituality in Himalayan Literature,” delved into the profound spiritual and mystical themes within Himalayan literary traditions. Moderated by Kacho Asfandyar Khan, the discussion featured Lobzang Tsewang, Nawang Tsering Shakspo, Dr.Urgain Dadul and Dr.Feroz Ahmad as panelists. They shared their insights on the spiritual symbolism deeply rooted in the region’s literature. The fourth session of the Conclave, “Nurturing Writers in Ladakh,” focused on fostering and growing local literary talent. Moderated by Dr.Anwar Ali Tsarpa, the panel included Tsewang Gyalsan, Tsering Dolkar, Murtaza Fazily and Jigmet Katpa all of whom discussed the challenges and opportunities for writers in Ladakh as well as the importance of nurturing a supportive literary community. Each session was a testament to the dedication of Ladakhi scholars, writers and cultural advocates in preserving and promoting Ladakh’s heritage. This event not only highlighted the richness of Himalayan culture but also emphasized the importance of storytelling in safeguarding Ladakh’s unique identity for future generations. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Joint Director, DIPR-Ladakh, Imteaaz Kacho, who expressed heartfelt appreciation to all the writers, poets and distinguished guests for their contribution in making the Himalayan Writers Conclave a success. He also lauded the individual and collective efforts of the staff of DIPR and their dedication.