Author: The Dispatch Staff

https://youtube.com/shorts/EFgR2r5Nxv4?feature=share From the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers at Sangam to the historic settlement of Chilling, the rugged cliffs of Ladakh hold stories older than memory itself. Etched into the dark rocks are thousands of petroglyphs — ancient carvings of ibex and horses, snow leopards and hunters, travelers and traders, and symbols of faith like stupas and spirals. These silent inscriptions are more than art; they are records of how early communities moved through this high-altitude landscape, observed wildlife, marked sacred places, and expressed their understanding of the world. Each figure chiseled into stone speaks of a moment…

Leh, November 8: The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, today attended a heartfelt farewell ceremony for Shri Vivek Rattan Sharma, JKAS, Under Secretary to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, at the LG Secretariat, Leh. In his address, the Lt Governor commended Shri Sharma for his dedication, sincerity, and professionalism, acknowledging his significant contribution to the efficient functioning of the LG Secretariat. “Ladakh has greatly benefited from your steadfast commitment and high standards during your two-and-a-half-year tenure in the UT Administration. Your example of excellence has set a benchmark for all staff at the LG Secretariat,” the Lt Governor remarked.…

Leh, November 8: The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, today attended the vibrant Thiksey Gustor Festival at the historic Thiksey Monastery, celebrating Ladakh’s enduring spiritual and cultural traditions. The Thiksey Gustor, known for its sacred masked dances (Chhams) and ancient rituals, symbolises the victory of good over evil and conveys a universal message of peace, harmony, and compassion. Addressing the gathering, the Lt Governor said that monastic festivals like Thiksey Gustor are living expressions of Ladakh’s rich cultural and spiritual legacy, representing centuries of faith and wisdom. “The vibrant culture of Ladakh, deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism,…

Kargil, November 8: Commissioner Secretary and Managing Director, SIDCO, UT of Ladakh, Shri Bhupesh Choudhury, IAS, visited the SIDCO Office Kargil today to review ongoing operations and infrastructural requirements. During the visit, Shri Choudhury inspected the SIDCO Yard, Cement Store, Weighing Bridge, and the old office building, assessing the current status of facilities and ongoing works. He also interacted with officials from SIDCO and ARTO Kargil. A detailed meeting followed, during which SIDCO officials presented a visual briefing on the loan disbursement process under various schemes being implemented across the district. The Commissioner Secretary directed the District Manager, SIDCO Kargil,…

Kargil, November 8: Government High School Kaksar celebrated its Annual Day-cum-Food Ethnic Festival 2025 with great enthusiasm and community participation, highlighting the region’s rich culture, culinary heritage, and student talent. Chief Education Officer Kargil, Shri Sonam Wanchuk, graced the event as Chief Guest, while Col. Manoj Rathi, Commanding Officer 18 MAHAR, attended as Guest of Honour. Special guests included Mr. Akhtar Hussain, Headmaster High School Tambis, Sheikh Mohsin Hussain Shakri, and Zakir Hussain Budgami. The programme began with a welcome address by Mr. Nissar Hussain Balkhani, followed by the inauguration of food stalls prepared by students under teachers’ guidance. Visitors…

Nubra, November 8: In a move to boost connectivity and public transport facilities in remote areas, the Ladakh Administration today launched a new bus service between Diskit and Skampuk in the Nubra Sub-Division, fulfilling a long-pending demand of local residents. The service was flagged off by Shri Tufail Iqbal, JKAS, Tehsildar Diskit, at a ceremony held at 11:00 AM, which saw enthusiastic participation from villagers of Skampuk, Partapur, Hunder, and Diskit. The newly introduced bus will operate twice daily between Skampuk and Diskit, offering a dependable transportation option for villagers, students, and government employees alike. Speaking on the occasion, Shri…

Hemis, November 8: In a major step toward enhancing citizen-centric governance, the ‘Mimang-si-Shabstogs’ campaign was launched today at Hemis village under the Kharu Sub-Division. The initiative aims to strengthen public outreach and ensure efficient implementation of various government welfare schemes at the grassroots level. More than 20 departments, including the State Bank of India (SBI), J&K Bank, and Punjab National Bank (PNB), participated in the campaign. The event facilitated on-the-spot redressal of public grievances and delivery of key services. Issues related to ongoing projects under Public Works (PWD), Rural Development, Irrigation & Flood Control, and Public Health Engineering (PHE) departments…

Leh, November 8: Eliezer Joldan Memorial College, Leh, reverberated with patriotic spirit as the institution held a continuation programme of NCC activities on Saturday. The event began with the hoisting of the National Flag by Principal Prof. Stanzin Yangdol, followed by the National Pledge affirming “Unity, Integrity and Service to the Nation.” NCC cadets then rendered the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ with zeal and enthusiasm, echoing sentiments of pride and devotion. Cadets also took part in the National-Level Vande Mataram Online Quiz, with many successfully downloading and submitting their certificates. Addressing the cadets, Prof. Yangdol commended their discipline and…

Kargil, November 7, 2025: The Hon’ble Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, today chaired a meeting of the Rogi Kalyan Samiti (RKS) at the District Hospital Kargil (DHK) to review its functioning, ongoing works, and future development plans. The meeting was attended by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Kargil, Medical Superintendent DH Kargil, and other RKS governing body members, including Executive Engineers of R&B 2nd, PHE, PDD, and REW, Project Director KREDA, Project Officer ICDS, and the District Information Officer Kargil. During the meeting, Dr. Akhoon conducted a comprehensive review of hospital operations and…

Zanskar, November 6, 2025: In a major boost to rural infrastructure and community development, Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Er. Phunchok Tashi inaugurated newly constructed Community Halls at Phay, Tungri, and Langmi villages under Karsha constituency today. The Community Hall at Phay was constructed by the Rural Development Department (RDD), Tungri by the Public Works Department (R&B), and Langmi by RDD. These projects, executed under the leadership of Hon’ble Councillor Stanzin Jigmath and Er. Tashi, EC Zanskar, reflect a shared commitment to inclusive and equitable development across the region. The halls—envisioned as vibrant spaces for social gatherings, meetings, and cultural programs—were…

Kargil, November 07, 2025: Joining the nationwide celebrations marking 150 years of India’s national song “Vande Mataram”, the Culture and Seminar Committee of Government Degree College (GDC) Kargil organized a grand mass singing event in the college premises today. Three students led the rendition under the guidance of Dr. Kunzes Dolma (Assistant Professor, Biotechnology), as the entire campus resonated with the spirit of patriotism. Principal Disket Angmo, faculty members, non-teaching staff, and a large number of students participated with great enthusiasm. Ms. Saba Shareef, Assistant Professor of Political Science, conducted the proceedings of the event on behalf of the organizing…

Sankoo, November 07, 2025: The Sankoo Campus, Government Degree College (GDC) Kargil, celebrated the 150th commemoration of India’s historic national song Vande Mataram with remarkable patriotism and inclusivity. The event featured a Mass Singing of Vande Mataram accompanied by sign language, symbolizing unity, accessibility, and collective national pride. Students and faculty members actively participated, merging their voices and gestures in a stirring tribute to the nation’s spirit. The celebration was coordinated by Dr. Ahmad Ali and Dr. Ghulam Mustafa under the supervision of Nodal Officer Dr. Saleem Ahmed. In his address, Dr. Saleem Ahmed commended the efforts of the organizers…

Kargil, November 7: The Union Territory Disaster Response Force (UTDRF), Kargil Unit, conducted a comprehensive mock drill and demonstration exercise at Government Degree College (GDC) Kargil, simulating a Collapsed Structure Search and Rescue (CSSR) operation in response to an earthquake and air raid scenario. The exercise, supervised by SP UTDRF Ladakh, Shri Govind Rattan (JKPS), and led by DySP UTDRF Kargil, Shri Asif Mustafa (JKPS), saw enthusiastic participation from faculty members and students of GDC Kargil. UTDRF personnel demonstrated advanced rescue operations, including casualty evacuation from collapsed structures using stretchers, rope systems, and other specialized rescue gear. The team also…

Kargil, November 7: Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, extended a warm welcome to the newly appointed Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kargil, Shri Nitin Yadav. Before his elevation, Shri Yadav served as Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Kargil, where he earned appreciation for his dedication and effective policing. Commending his previous service, the CEC expressed confidence that as SSP, Yadav will continue to uphold public safety and work with renewed commitment toward maintaining peace and order in the district. During the meeting, Dr. Akhoon and SSP Yadav discussed law and order, public welfare,…

Leh, November 7: District Commissioner Leh, Romil Singh Donk (IAS), convened a meeting with Nambardars from Kharu, Durbuk, and Nyoma Sub-Divisions at the DC Conference Hall, Leh, to discuss local governance and preparations for the upcoming “Mimangs-Si-Jabstogs” (Public Services) campaign. The meeting was attended by ADC Leh Ghulam Mohd (JKAS), ACR Leh Shabir Hussain, CPO Leh Tsewang Gyaltson, and other officials. DC Leh welcomed the participants and appreciated their role in bridging the gap between the administration and the grassroots. Officials briefed the gathering on the 15-day Mimangs-Si-Jabstogs initiative aimed at resolving public grievances, ensuring on-the-spot service delivery, and improving…

Khaltse, November 7: In line with the directions of the Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Khaltse, Mohd Sharif, chaired a meeting with officers of the Sub Division to review preparations for the upcoming “Memangs-Si-Jabstok” (Public Services) campaign. During the meeting, the SDM urged all departments to actively participate in the outreach programme and create awareness among villagers about various centrally sponsored and UT-level schemes. He instructed officials to provide on-the-spot public services at designated venues in each village. The campaign schedule was finalized in consultation with departmental officers and will be conducted across the Sub Division from November…

Leh, November 7: The State Medicinal Plant Board (SMPB), UT Ladakh, in collaboration with the Regional-cum-Facilitation Centre (Northern Region–II), successfully concluded a one-day Stakeholders’ Meet-cum-Workshop on “Opportunities in Cultivation of Medicinal Plants in Ladakh” at the Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), Leh. The event brought together over 100 participants, including experts, traditional healers, farmers, students, and departmental officers. Dr. Tashi Thinlas, Director of Health Services/AYUSH and CEO, SMPB Ladakh, inaugurated the workshop, emphasizing medicinal plant cultivation as a sustainable livelihood option for farmers. Chief Guest Dr. O.P. Chaurasia, Director, DIHAR, highlighted Ladakh’s unique high-altitude ecosystem as ideal for…

Leh, November 7: The School Education Department, UT Ladakh, conducted a one-day Technical Orientation Program on UDISE+ and PRABANDH portals at the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Leh, to strengthen data management and reporting systems in the education sector. Secretary School Education, Bhanu Prabha (IAS), and Director School Education, Tashi Dolma (JKAS), inaugurated the session, highlighting the importance of accurate data collection and timely reporting for evidence-based planning and monitoring. Resource persons from the Ministry of Education, Government of India, led detailed sessions on data entry, validation, error correction, and real-time monitoring using the two digital platforms. MIS…

Khaltsi, November 6: Government Degree College (GDC) Khaltsi, under the guidance of Principal Dr. Sameena Iqbal, celebrated the 150th anniversary of India’s national song “Vande Mataram” with great enthusiasm. The college organized a special event featuring a mass singing of the national song by students, faculty, and staff, honouring its historical and cultural legacy. Speakers highlighted Vande Mataram’s pivotal role in inspiring India’s freedom struggle and its timeless message of unity, pride, and patriotism that continues to resonate across generations.

Kargil, November 7 : The 150th commemoration of India’s national song “Vande Mataram” was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Tourist Facilitation Centre (TFC), Byamathang, Kargil, organized by the District Administration Kargil. The event opened with a stirring rendition of “Vande Mataram” by the first-ever school band of Kargil, featuring students from PM Shri Government Higher Secondary School Minjee. Students, officials, and police personnel joined the celebration, adding to the patriotic atmosphere. Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, attended as the Chief Guest, while Member of Parliament, Ladakh, Mohmad Hanifa Jan, was the Guest…