Kargil, June 2: A vibrant celebration of Kargil’s culinary heritage and cultural identity unfolded on Tuesday as Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, launched the book “Stories from a Kargili Kitchen” at a special event organized by Roots Ladakh.
The book, a collaborative effort aimed at documenting and reviving Kargil’s traditional food culture, was presented before a distinguished gathering of scholars, writers, administrators and community leaders.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Akhoon praised the efforts of Roots Ladakh and the authors for preserving an important aspect of Ladakh’s cultural heritage. He described traditional food and organic farming as integral to Kargil’s identity and highlighted the Hill Council’s commitment to promoting tourism and cultural preservation across the region.
“Such initiatives help preserve our heritage for future generations while showcasing the unique cultural richness of Kargil to the world,” he said, assuring support for distributing the book in educational institutions across the district.
Earlier, Roots Ladakh founder Muzammil shared the journey behind the publication, describing it as a heartfelt attempt to document recipes, memories and traditions that have been passed down through generations. He thanked the contributors and appealed for wider circulation of the book among students and young readers.
Co-author and anthropologist Neha Nair emphasized that Kargil’s identity extends far beyond narratives of conflict and borders. She described the publication as a cultural revival project that uses food as a lens to understand the region’s history, people and traditions.
Co-author Yash Saxena reflected on his experiences studying food cultures across different regions and expressed concern over the gradual decline of Kargil’s traditional culinary practices, stressing the need for preservation efforts.
Renowned writer Reza Amjad Badgami highlighted the historical and literary significance of buckwheat, locally known as “Baro,” noting its deep roots in the region’s cultural and literary traditions.
Member of Parliament Haji Hanifa Jan congratulated the authors and lauded Roots Ladakh for promoting Kargil’s culture and tourism on national and international platforms. He encouraged young people to actively participate in preserving Ladakh’s unique heritage and traditions.
The event was attended by Deputy Commissioner Kargil Rakesh Kumar, SSP Kargil Nitin Yadav, Brigadier Joshi, Commander 121 Brigade, former CEC Kacho Ahmed Khan, former CEC Feroza Ahmed Khan and several other dignitaries.
The programme concluded with the felicitation of contributors through the presentation of traditional khataks, marking a memorable evening dedicated to celebrating Kargil’s rich food heritage and cultural legacy.
