Praises IPAF for offering a 
meaningful platform to artists
Leh, September 04: Cultural exchange is a vital medium for bridging different cultures by fostering understanding, promoting harmony, reducing prejudices, and preserving diverse traditions. By sharing ideas, values, and practices, communities can build stronger connections and nurture global citizenship.
This was stated by the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, while addressing the International Performing Arts Festival 2025 at Arya Nagarjuna Auditorium, Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS), Choglamsar. The event was attended by Vice-Chancellor CIBS, Prof Rajesh Ranjan, school principals, teachers and students.
The Lt Governor said art and culture transcend language barriers, create empathy, and offer shared experiences through storytelling, performances, and visual arts. Such expressions, he noted, highlight common human experiences while celebrating diversity, thereby promoting intercultural dialogue and social cohesion. He stressed that art builds inclusive societies by promoting peace and countering ethnocentric attitudes.
Underscoring Ladakh’s unique identity, the Lt Governor said the region is not only known for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its vibrant festivals, unique traditions, and historical role as a cultural crossroads. These attributes, he added, strengthen the unity of the people of Ladakh.
Quoting the message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—“the world is one family”—often propagated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shri Kavinder Gupta emphasised the need to spread this philosophy across the globe as a reflection of India’s deep-rooted cultural values.
Shri Kavinder Gupta praised the International Performing Arts Festival (IPAF), founded in Ahmedabad in 2015 by social entrepreneur Shyam Pandey, for offering a meaningful platform to artists, including differently-abled performers and young talent, to showcase traditional and contemporary art forms nationally and internationally.
Highlighting tourism as a beneficiary of Ladakh’s cultural richness, the Lt Governor said lakhs of tourists visit the region every year to witness its heritage, and it is the responsibility of the people to ensure visitors return with happy memories. He added that the UT Administration is committed to preserving Ladakh’s cultural traditions through various initiatives to keep younger generations connected to their roots.
The event featured soulful performances by Pandit Indu Prakash Trivedi, who presented classical ragas, thumri, dadra and ghazals. Kathak exponent Aditi Vashistha, Konchok Sopari Group and artists from CIBS also enthralled the audience with their presentations.
