Kargil Campus, UoL organizes one-day seminar on indigenous tribes of Ladakh.

Kargil, June 09, 2023:

On the 2nd day of the Tribal Fest 2023 i.e. 7th June 2023, a one day seminar entitled “Indigenous Tribes of Ladakh: Understanding Vulnerability, Inclusivity and Conservation efforts, was organized by Tribal Research Institute (TRI), Kargil Campus, University of Ladakh. In the seminar nine research papers were presented by eminent and learned research scholars.

The seminar was inaugurated by the chief guest, Prof. (Dr.) Ashok Kumar Sharma, Registrar, University of Ladakh. Kaneez Fatima, worthy Rector, Kargil Campus, University of Ladakh welcomed the Chief Guest, Scholars and the participants of the seminar.

In her welcome address, she expressed heartfelt gratitude to chief guest Prof. (Dr.) Ashok Kumar Sharma, Registrar, UoL to grace the occasion with his august presence. In addition, she underscored the policy significance of Tribal Research Institute to keep alive the cultural legacy and traditions of tribes of Ladakh and also sought research assistance and guidance from pioneers in the field of tribes of Ladakh by acting as torch bearer to accomplish the manifested goal of establishing Tribal Research Institute.

Subsequent to this, address was delivered by chief guest Prof. (Dr.) Ashok Kumar Sharma, Registrar, UoL. He stressed on the need of preservation, protection and advertisement cum showcasing of cultural heritage of Ladakh region across the world thereon polishing untapped potential of youths and application of low-cost affordable technology.

The inaugural session was followed by the technical session. Dr. Sonam Wangchok, President, International Association for Ladakh Studies presented his research on the theme “Community participation is essential for maintaining cultural heritage: Sharing experiences from HCHF’s Initiatives”.

In his presentation, he laid stress on preservation of intangible cultural heritage through traditional fair and festivals and asked for community participation in restoration and conservation of the same.

He was followed by the presentation of Dr. Tsewang Gyalsten, Research scholar entitled “Preserving voices: Exploring the rich tapestry of indigenous language and literature in Ladakh”.

He also remarked on the preservation of indigenous languages and literature in their respective fields. He also highlighted intricacies and hidden strands of Bhoti language in spoken and written form.

This was followed with third presentation of first technical session by Dr. Monisha Ahmad, Anthropologist and cultural researcher on the theme “The fabric of Life: Culture and society among the Changpa”.
She described comprehensively on textile tools and instruments used by Changpa tribal people in weaving. She also gave account on taboos and stereotypes attached with weaving occupation.
Second technical session commenced with the lecture delivered by Dr. Jamphel Shayen, Asst. Prof. English, GMDC Zanskar entitled “Between hope and trauma: caste conflicts tribe of Buddhist communityof Zanskar”.
He surfaced hidden fact of presence of practice of untouchability among Gara tribe and resultant proselytization from Buddhist to Islamic fold. He was followed by the presentation of Mohammad Ali, Research scholar entitled “Balti Zaban (Language)”. He spoke length and breadth on Balti Language and also stressed on preserving Balti script.
This was followed with third presentation of second technical session by Dr. Tsewang Gyaltsen, Asst. Prof. Political Science, GMDC Zanskar entitled “Origin and ethnic festivals of Buddhist Dards of Ladakh”.
He discussed origin of Buddhist Dards of Ladakh along with comprehensive mention of Dard Ethnic festivals with their symbolic and socio-cultural significance.
Third technical session commenced with the lecture delivered by Nawang Tsering Shakpso entitled “Language and Culture of Kargil under Tribal Chiefs”. He gave historical, sociological and analytical account on Balti, Purgi and Ladakhi languages.
He was followed by the presentation of Imteeaz Ali, Research scholar entitled “A Sociological Study of Ethnic Festivals of the Purigpa Tribe: An Emic Perspective”. He stressed on sociological relevance of celebrating festivals to create social solidarity and integrity in tribal society of Ladakh.
This was followed with third presentation of third technical session by Dr. Nargis Khatoon, Research scholar, on the theme “Balti Tribe: The Aborigines of Baltistan”. She presented a comprehensive, informative and thought-provoking presentation on Balti Tribe.
In the end, Dr. Mehboob Ali, Asst. Prof. Kargil Campus, UoL presented vote of thanks. He expressed sincere gratitude to chief guest Prof. (Dr.) Ashok Kumar Sharma, Registrar, University of Ladakh.
He expressed sincere gratitude to Prof. S.K. Mehta, Vice Chancellor, UoL and Kaneez Fatima, Rector, Kargil campus UoL for providing unflinching technical and logistic support to make this event successful.
He also appreciated the participation of the research scholars, participants and non-teaching staff members to make this event successful. At last, he applauded the students and other participants for their attentive and patient listening.