Author: The Dispatch Staff

Zanskar, August 17: The Department of Hindi, Government Degree College (GDC) Zanskar, presented a poignant short play depicting the horrors of Partition and the suffering of countless families forced to abandon their homes and migrate to India.Organised as part of the Independence Day celebrations, the programme was held under the supervision of Principal Dr. Amjad Ali Abassi and coordinated by the Department of Hindi.Through an emotionally charged performance, students portrayed the trauma of displacement, showing families leaving behind their homes, land, possessions and loved ones and arriving in India amid grief, fear and uncertainty.The play also highlighted the resilience and…

Leh, August 17: Ladakh marked the grand culmination of the Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign 2026 with a vibrant patriotic programme at the iconic Sindhu Ghat in Leh, where around 1,200 young participants came together to celebrate the spirit of the Tricolour, national unity and patriotism.Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism, UT Ladakh, the programme brought together school and college students, specially-abled children, teachers and officials against the picturesque backdrop of the Indus River.The celebration featured patriotic songs, the National Song and the National Anthem, creating an atmosphere filled with national pride. The Ladakh Academy of Art, Culture and…

75 publishers showcase books in multiple languages; LG says festival will bridge Ladakh’s knowledge traditions with wider worldLeh, Aug 14: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena on Thursday inaugurated the nine-day Ladakh Book Festival 2026, describing it as an important platform to strengthen the culture of reading and connect Ladakh’s rich intellectual and cultural heritage with contemporary India and the wider world.The festival, jointly organised by the National Book Trust, Ladakh Administration and the Indian Army, brings together books, literature, authors, publishers and diverse literary traditions from across the country and beyond.With 75 publishers participating, the festival features books…

₹10.48-cr facility to boost Ladakh Police training, open new sporting avenues for youthLeh, Aug 14: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena on Thursday inaugurated a modern Multi-Purpose Hall and Indoor Shooting Range—described as one of the highest shooting ranges in India—at the District Police Lines, Choglamsar, aimed at strengthening the fitness and professional capabilities of Ladakh Police while providing structured shooting training to local youth.Built at a cost of approximately ₹10.48 crore, the all-weather facility has been designed keeping Ladakh’s prolonged cold and dry winters in mind, with provisions to maximise natural solar heat and improve energy efficiency.The Multi-Purpose…

Joins Army officers, veterans, Veer Naris and motorcycle expedition participants in LadakhLeh: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena joined officers, veterans, Veer Naris, soldiers of the Indian Army and participants of an 11-day motorcycle expedition to commemorate 200 glorious years of the Regiment of Artillery, paying rich tributes to its distinguished legacy of service to the nation.Highlighting the Regiment’s two centuries of contribution to India’s defence, the Lieutenant Governor said the Gunners have consistently exemplified precision, professionalism, resilience and unwavering commitment to the nation.“For two centuries, the Gunners have embodied precision, professionalism, resilience and unwavering commitment to the Nation,”…

Calls upon students to carry message of patriotism, unity and respect for TricolourLeh, Aug 14: Chief Secretary, UT Ladakh, Ashish Kundra on Thursday underscored the role of educational institutions in nurturing patriotism and civic responsibility among young citizens as the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign was organised at Government Model School, Ibex Colony, Leh.The patriotic programme, organised by the Home Department, UT Ladakh, witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, teachers, senior officials and ex-servicemen and culminated in a spirited Tiranga rally.Addressing the gathering, Kundra highlighted the significance of the nationwide campaign and said such initiatives provide students an opportunity to understand the…

Directs swift resolution of land, compensation bottlenecks; says completed public assets must not remain unusedLeh, Aug 14: Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra on Thursday reviewed the progress of key NHIDCL infrastructure projects across the Union Territory and directed officials to ensure their timely completion, commissioning and productive utilisation.Chairing a meeting of the UT-level committee for monitoring and review of NHIDCL projects, Kundra sought clear project-wise timelines and stressed coordinated action to remove bottlenecks relating to land acquisition, compensation, clearances and connectivity.Major projects reviewed included the Kargil–Zanskar Road (NH-301), Zojila Tunnel, Kargil Truck Terminal, Leh slaughterhouse, additional office building, residential facilities…

Kargil, Aug 14: The Ladakh Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (LAAC&L), Kargil, on Thursday observed Partition Horrors Remembrance Day with a solemn programme featuring a silent march, a photo exhibition and a poignant theatrical performance highlighting the human suffering and displacement caused by the Partition of India in 1947.Organised under the aegis of the Department of Tourism and Culture, UT of Ladakh, the programme was held at the Tourist Facilitation Centre (TFC) Amphitheatre, Biamathang.The observance began with a two-minute silence in memory of those who lost their lives and suffered during Partition. It was followed by a silent march…

Kargil, August 12, 2026: The Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign 2026 was celebrated with enthusiasm at the Children with Special Needs (CWSN) School, Kurbathang, where specially-abled students took the lead in a vibrant Tiranga Rally.Students, along with the teaching and non-teaching staff, participated enthusiastically in the rally, which began from the school premises and proceeded along Airport Road. Carrying the National Flag with pride, the students expressed their joy, patriotism and love for the nation.The celebration provided the students an opportunity to actively participate in the nationwide campaign and showcase the spirit of inclusivity, unity and national pride.The rally also highlighted…

Drass, August 12, 2026: A vibrant painting competition themed “Tiranga, My Pride” was organised at the Higher Secondary School Complex, Drass, as part of the ongoing Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, bringing together students in a celebration of patriotism, creativity and national pride.Students from Government Degree College, Army Goodwill School, Mutahhary Public School, Higher Secondary School, Gulshan-e-Raza Public School, Government Middle School and other institutions participated enthusiastically in the competition.The programme was attended by Deputy Commissioner Imteeaz Kacho, Tehsildar (HQ) Abdul Aziz, Principal Higher Secondary School, Deputy General Manager PGCIL-Drass Asif Amin, Naib Tehsildar (HQ) Ibrahim Khan, Director Physical Education &…

Zanskar, August 12, 2026: The Civil and Police Administration, Zanskar, organised a Tiranga Rally under the nationwide ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, inspiring citizens, particularly the youth, to celebrate patriotism, unity and pride in the National Flag.The rally was led by the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, Zanskar, with enthusiastic participation from officers, police personnel, school students and ex-servicemen.Beginning at Sports Stadium, Padum, the rally passed through Ashoka Pillar and Padum Market before culminating at Dak Bungalow, Padum.Addressing the participants, the Deputy Commissioner urged citizens to proudly hoist the Tricolour and uphold its dignity while strengthening the values of patriotism,…

Changthang, August 12, 2026: District Police Changthang, in collaboration with Higher School Chushul, organised a ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ rally in Chushul village, celebrating patriotism, national unity and pride in the Tricolour.Police personnel, students, teachers and local residents participated enthusiastically, reflecting the strong patriotic spirit of the border community.The rally highlighted the collective commitment to the National Flag and the spirit of national unity, marking Chushul’s enthusiastic participation in the nationwide Har Ghar Tiranga campaign.

Leh, August 12, 2026: Administrative Secretary, Planning, Development and Monitoring Department (PD&MD), UT Ladakh, Himanshu Gupta, chaired a meeting to review a comprehensive plan for developing wayside amenities at strategic locations across Ladakh, with a focus on improving road travel facilities, strengthening tourism infrastructure and creating opportunities for local entrepreneurship.The proposal aims to establish well-planned facilities such as toilets, cafeterias, parking and seating areas along major roads and high-footfall tourist routes, particularly in remote areas where basic public amenities remain limited.Secretary, PWD, Baseer-ul-Haq Choudhary, highlighted the need for safe, clean and accessible facilities, particularly for women and families undertaking long…

Zanskar, August 12, 2026: Government Degree College (GDC) Zanskar organised a volleyball match and a youth awareness programme under the Intensified IEC Campaign-2026 on the eve of International Youth Day, promoting sportsmanship, youth participation and social awareness among students.The volleyball match was held under the supervision of Principal Dr. Amjad Ali Abbasi and coordinated by Dr. Hussain Ali, Director Physical Education and Sports. Students participated enthusiastically, showcasing team spirit, discipline and sporting talent.Following the match, Dr. Sabir Hussain, Assistant Professor, Botany, GDC Zanskar, conducted an awareness session highlighting the significance of International Youth Day and the crucial role of young…

Leh, August 12, 2026: Administrative Secretary, Industries and Commerce, UT Ladakh, Himanshu Gupta, chaired a meeting to review preparations for the upcoming Seabuckthorn Conference, scheduled for September 18–19, 2026, during the peak harvesting season in Ladakh.The conference will bring together stakeholders to explore the potential of Ladakh’s seabuckthorn sector, with discussions focused on cultivation, processing, value addition, branding, market linkages and entrepreneurship.The meeting reviewed the proposed programme, venue, event-management arrangements, budgetary requirements and participation of experts and stakeholders. The conference will be organised by the Industries Department in collaboration with the Horticulture Department.Himanshu Gupta directed officials to finalise the venue…

Khaltse, August 12, 2026: A Tiranga Rally was organised at PM Shri Government High School Lamayuru on Wednesday as part of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, with students and staff participating with enthusiasm and patriotic spirit.The rally saw active participation from the Headmaster, teaching staff, officials and students of the school. Carrying the Tricolour with pride, participants reaffirmed their commitment to the values of unity, integrity and national pride.The rally aimed to sensitise students about the significance of the National Flag and foster a deeper sense of patriotism, unity and respect for the Tricolour.The programme concluded with renewed enthusiasm and…

Khaltse, August 12, 2026: The Har Ghar Tiranga campaign was observed with enthusiasm and patriotic fervour across educational institutions in Khaltse, with students and staff coming together to celebrate the national flag and reaffirm their commitment to the spirit of national unity.The campaign was held at Government Higher Secondary School Skurbuchan, Government High School Achinathang, Government High School Bodkharboo and Government High School Wanla. Students, teaching staff and other employees participated enthusiastically, expressing their pride and respect for the Tricolour.The programmes focused on creating awareness among students about the significance of the national flag and promoting the values of unity,…

Sakti, August 12, 2026: An integrated Tuberculosis (TB) and Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) screening camp was organised at AAM-PHC Sakti on Wednesday as part of the “Jan Jan Ka Rakhe Dhyaan – TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan” under the ongoing 100 Days Intensified TB Elimination Campaign.The camp was organised in collaboration with the District Tuberculosis Centre (DTC), Leh, and the Health Department, with a focus on active case finding, early diagnosis and timely treatment of TB, along with screening for common NCDs such as hypertension and diabetes.Dr. Jigmet Wangchuk, I/C Medical Officer, AAM-PHC Sakti, sensitised participants about the importance of early detection of…

New Delhi, Aug. 7: Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, on Thursday met Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, and raised key developmental and administrative issues concerning Ladakh, with special focus on Kargil, Drass and Zanskar.During the meeting, Dr. Akhoon highlighted the challenges faced by the people of the three districts and urged the Union Minister to ensure greater support under various Central Government schemes and programmes.The CEC also apprised the Minister of the region’s unique cultural and educational needs, seeking enhanced allocation and effective implementation of welfare initiatives aimed…

New Delhi, Aug. 7: Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, on Thursday called on Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. Jitendra Singh, and raised several key issues concerning Kargil and the newly created districts of Ladakh.During the meeting, Dr. Akhoon strongly pressed for the early operationalisation of Kargil Airport for civil flights, stressing that improved air connectivity is crucial for tourism, trade, emergency services and the overall socio-economic development of the region. He sought the Union Minister’s personal intervention to expedite the process.The CEC also highlighted the demand for the…