LEH/KARGIL: World Heritage Day is observed annually on April 18th to increase awareness of the importance of safeguarding the world’s historical sites and monuments as the most precious resources.
The day seeks to unite the global community in support of the preservation of these historical sites and monuments, which serve as a reflection of cultural diversity and historical legacy. This year’s theme is “Heritage under Threat from Disasters and Conflicts: Preparedness and Learning from 60 years of ICOMOS Actions”.
In Ladakh this year, the Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museum, UT Ladakh, and the Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation (HCHF), in collaboration with the Government Higher Secondary School Baima, the Preservation of Aryan Culture and Education Society, and the Aryan Heritage Labdak Museum, organised heritage talks and a quiz competition at the Government Higher Secondary School Baima.
The organisers honoured village elders and folk singers Tsering Punchok from Hanu, Tsering Sonam from Baldes, Tsering Angchuk from Garkon and Tsetan Gurmet from Darchik as special guests. Scholar and Dard Aryan expert, Dr Sonam Paldan, was the chief guest.
The registering officer of the Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museum, in his welcome speech, highlighted the activities undertaken by his department in documenting and conserving historical and archival records.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Sonam Wangchok has highlighted the importance of celebrating World Heritage Day by organising awareness programmes and imparting heritage education to school children.
He also stressed the importance of preserving Ladakh’s rich cultural and natural heritage for generations to come. Dr Wangchok also shared his experiences working in the field of cultural preservation for the last two decades.
Chief guest Dr Paldan appreciated the organisers, especially Dr Sonam Wangchok for working tirelessly in preserving and promoting cultural heritage in Ladakh.
He highlighted the rich heritage of the Aryan valley of Ladakh and expressed the need for more awareness programmes to educate the villagers about the values of their cultural heritage.
Principal, Government Higher Secondary School Baima, Deachen Angmo and Tashi Lhundup, Director of Aryan Heritage Labdak Museum, also spoke on the occasion about the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
The special guests and folk singers entertained the audience by singing folk songs. The organisers felicitated them with mementoes and Khatak (white scarves).
Finally, students who beg first, second and third position in the quiz competition received certificates and prizes.
First position went to Government High School Hanu Yokma, followed by Government Higher Secondary School Biama and Government High School Garkon. The competition was also participated in by students of the eighth class of Govt. High School, Achinathang.
