LEH: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) on Wednesday condoled the sad demise of Rani Parvati Devi (Deskit Wangmo).
Deskit Wangmo was the first woman Member of Parliament from Ladakh of the 6th Lok Sabha (1977-80).
“I am deeply saddened to know about the demise of Rani Parvati Devi (Deskit Wangmo) at the age of 92 at her ancestral house at Stok Palace. The Queen Mother of Ladakh, Rani Parvati Devi was the first woman Member of Parliament from Ladakh of the 6th Lok Sabha (1977-80),” Mishra said.
She was face of women empowerment in Ladakh and inspired young female generations to work for greater good of people of Ladakh. “I pray for fortitude to Rani Parvati Devi’s family members in this period of bereavement to bear the irreparable loss. May the departed soul rest in peace,” the LG added.
Meanwhile, LAHDC Leh observed a solemn condolence meeting and held a prayer gathering at the Council Secretariat to pay tribute to the late Gyalmo Deskit Wangmo, the Queen Mother of Ladakh, following her demise.
The meeting was attended by Chairman, CEC LAHDC Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson, Executive Councillors for RDD Tashi Yakzee, Leader of Opposition Tsering Namgyal, along with other Councillors.
With profound sorrow and a heavy heart, LAHDC expressed its deepest condolences on the passing of Gyalmo Deskit Wangmo, whose remarkable legacy is rooted in unwavering dedication to the welfare of Ladakh’s people and will continue to resonate for generations to come.
As the first woman Member of Parliament from Ladakh, elected in 1977, she was a trailblazer whose courage, vision, and leadership paved the way for others especially for women from Ladakh, marking a significant milestone in Ladakh’s political and social progress.
Gyalmo Deskit Wangmo embodied strength, compassion, and selfless service, tirelessly working to uplift her community and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Ladakh.
Born on 1st May 1934 at Khangsar Palace in Lahaul, she hailed from the prestigious Royal House of Khangsar. She married Kunzang Namgyal, the titular King of Ladakh, on 10th July 1950, and became a steadfast partner in the region’s growth and development. Beyond her political career, she made substantial contributions as a social leader, notably as the Convener of the Welfare Extension Project in Leh, which she led from 1958, focusing on the social and economic betterment of Ladakhi communities.
Her dedication to preserving Ladakhi culture was equally profound. As a founding member of the Namgyal Institute of Research on Ladakhi Art and Culture (NIRLAC), she played a key role in safeguarding traditional arts and culture for future generations.
Her philanthropic efforts, including bringing the Save the Children Fund to Ladakh, highlighted her unwavering commitment to the well-being of all Ladakhis, particularly the marginalized and vulnerable.
In this moment of great loss, Hon’ble Chairman/CEC Adv. Tashi Gyalson, on behalf of the LAHDC and the people of Ladakh, extended heartfelt sympathy to Raja Jigmet Wangchuk Namgyal, Rani Sarla Chhewang, Rani Rinchen Wangmo, Raja Karma Konchok Namgyal, and to all members of the Royal family, as well as her relatives, friends, and well wishers.
Her absence leaves an irreplaceable void, but her legacy will continue to inspire and guide the people of Ladakh in their collective efforts to build a brighter future.
May her soul find eternal peace, and may her family and loved ones find strength and comfort in the enduring memory of her extraordinary life and the lasting impact of her work.
