Jammu, December 19:
Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, on Thursday inaugurated the third edition of Mahotsav – Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh 2025, a three-day cultural and economic festival aimed at showcasing the region’s rich heritage, youth talent and spirit of self-reliance.
The Mahotsav, a flagship annual initiative of LEAD (LJK – Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir Economic Growth and Development Dialogue), celebrates local culture, entrepreneurship and unity, drawing artisans, performers, entrepreneurs and community groups from across Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir. Previous editions in 2023 and 2024 witnessed overwhelming public response.
Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar and noted film personality Preeti Sapru Walia attended the event as Guests of Honour. DIG Jammu–Kathua Range Shiv Kumar Sharma, LEAD Convener Harinder Gupta, LEAD members and a large number of artists, youth, students and citizens were also present.
Addressing the gathering, LG Kavinder Gupta said that the Mahotsav is not merely a cultural event but a movement towards self-reliance (Swavlamban) and cultural unity, rooted in the ideals of Swadeshi and Sanskriti. He said the platform plays a vital role in promoting local heritage, nurturing youth talent and strengthening social harmony.
Highlighting the uniqueness of the 2025 edition, the LG said that for the first time the Mahotsav is being organised as a three-day event, with each day dedicated to Ladakh, Kashmir and Jammu, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the region’s diversity. He informed that the central theme of this year’s festival is “Panch Parivartan”, focusing on self-awareness, citizen duty, environmental protection, social harmony and family values.
Speaking on Ladakh’s development trajectory, the LG said the Union Territory is witnessing transformational growth under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He highlighted major clean energy initiatives, including ONGC’s geothermal project at Puga, SECI’s 11 GW solar project at Pang, and the inauguration of Ladakh’s first geothermal-based space heating system at PHC Thiksey, terming them historic steps towards carbon neutrality and energy self-reliance.
The LG also underlined efforts to promote winter tourism, improve connectivity in remote and border areas, and create new opportunities for youth. He said PM Modi’s focus has brought Ladakh into sharp national focus, ensuring accelerated and inclusive development despite the region’s challenging terrain and climate.
Appreciating the cultural performances and exhibitions, LG Kavinder Gupta congratulated LEAD, artists and volunteers for preserving local traditions and promoting livelihoods. Concluding his address, he invited people from across the country to visit Ladakh and experience its culture, resilience and development journey, expressing confidence that the Mahotsav would further strengthen cultural unity and the vision of a self-reliant India.
