IALS Conference in Heidelberg University Germany from June 8
Leh: The 20th Edition of International Association for Ladakh Studies (IALS) Conference will be held in Heidelberg University in Germany from June 8 to 11 this year.
The IALS Conference is organized every alternate year. President of the Association, Dr Sonam Wangchuk said. The main theme of the conference is “Ladakh’s Future: New Directions and Challenges”. And Sub-themes for different panels were decided after the acceptance of abstracts.
Dr Wangchuk that students and research scholars from different parts of the world have submitted abstract papers on different themes and subjects for the Conference.
IALS was formed in 1970s comprising around 300 professors, students and research scholars. 
Dr Wangchuk while meeting Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) at Raj Niwas a day back has requested for financial assistance for students and research scholars from Ladakh for their lodging and boarding so that they can take part in the Conference at Germany.
Dr Wangchuk apprised the LG of Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation- an NGO run by him in Ladakh for the preservation of culture and heritage.
He informed about various works being carried out by his organisation in restoring historical monuments and arte-facts in Ladakh. Dr Wangchuk highlighted the need for framing heritage regulations and guidelines in Ladakh.
In order to finalise the dates and a broad theme for the conference, a meeting was held on October 8, 2022, in Leh, which was attended by President of the Association Dr. Sonam Wangchok, Advisor Monisha Ahmad, Prof. Marcus Nuesser and his companions from Heidelberg University, Prof. Tashi Ldawa (Advisor), and Tsewang Rigzin (Ladakh Liaison Officer), Rigzin Chodon from the editorial team.
The conference dates were set for 8–11 June 2023 after extensive discussion and consideration, and the general theme settled upon was ‘Ladakh’s Future: New Directions and Challenges.’ Earlier, the advisors provided opinions and advice as well through mail.
