Leh, January 06, 2026:
A training programme on Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar (MGMD) was conducted today under the supervision of Mr. Aqeel Sajjad, JKAS, Nodal Officer (MGMD), UT Ladakh. During the programme, he emphasized the importance of systematic mapping of cultural data and highlighted the need for a comprehensive collection of cultural information from across the Union Territory of Ladakh.
District-level Master Trainers sensitized the participants about Ladakh’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, deeply rooted in its traditions, customs, languages, festivals, architecture, indigenous knowledge systems, and unique way of life. A National-level Master Trainer from the Ministry of Culture joined the programme virtually and provided detailed guidance on data collection methodologies, use of the MGMD portal, and standard documentation protocols.
The training programme included hands-on sessions, during which participants, including Block Development Officers (BDOs), Panchayat Inspectors, Panchayat Accounts Assistants, and RGSA staff, actively practiced data entry and portal usage. The programme concluded on a positive note, underscoring the importance of systematic documentation, preservation, and promotion of Ladakh’s cultural heritage for present and future generations.
Ladakh, with its distinct geographical setting and centuries-old cultural legacy, holds a unique place in India’s cultural landscape. The Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar programme is particularly significant for the region, as it facilitates village-level documentation of both tangible and intangible heritage that is increasingly vulnerable due to modernization, migration, and changing socio-economic patterns. The initiative also strengthens grassroots participation, empowers Panchayati Raj Institutions, and ensures that Ladakh’s diverse cultural identity is digitally preserved and showcased at the national level.
