KARGIL: Brigadier B D Mishra served as the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh and Governor of Meghalaya, before assuming the charge of Ladakh union territory in February, his sixth year in the Raj Bhavans. However, his joy knew no bounds when he attended the Ladakh Literary Conference on Monday.
“I have remained Governor of three states in last six years but it is my first time that I have got the opportunity to attend a literary conference,” said a joyous Mishra, as he addressed the gathering at Syed Mehdi Memorial Hall Kargil the previous day.
The way Mishra has embraced Ladakh, its people and its culture in last six weeks after entering the Leh Raj Bhavan reflects in his demeanour. Contrary to the perceived seriousness in one’s expressions that one expects from a retired army officer, Mishra always wears a smile, is seen eager to understand Ladakh, and is warm in his meetings with Ladakhis.
Monday was no exception, as he toured the stalls put up outside the SMM Hall, excitement beaming from his face, as he went inside a few stalls checking out the traditional dresses on offer, and turned the pages of the books of different authors and poets from Leh and Kargil.
His speech at the conference couldn’t hide his excitement, either.
“I am astonished to learn the richness of the language and cultural diversity of Ladakh.
There are so many languages.. there is Purgi, Bhoti, Ladakhi, Balti, Shina, Dardi, and Urdu. The speakers are fluent in English and Hindi like it was their native language. This is the richest culture in the entire state. I am glad I was invited to this event,” said Mishra on the stage.
“I was pleasantly surprised when the CEC (Feroz Ahmed Khan) invited me. I have remained governor of 3 states, but no one invited me to any such event there. I am very happy. Not just writers, but the artists, performing artists, painters, and sculptors are also (participating) here. This shows the great culture that Ladakh has… different traditions and languages are amalgamating into a beautiful bouquet,” the LG said.
The past six weeks, after Mishra took charge of Ladakh as its Lieutenant Governor, have witnessed a people-first approach in the functioning of the union territory administration, working with renewed energies to proactively engage in policy innovation and regulatory improvements for the benefit of the citizens of Ladakh and the society as a whole.
Mishra has devised the mechanism of daily review meetings, followed by weekly review meetings to streamline the administrative functioning, enabling the officers to work in greater synergy to serve the people of Ladakh.
The number of visitors to Raj Bhavan have been more than ever. And when he is not meeting his officers or his people, Mishra is seen visiting parts of Ladakh. In Mishra, Ladakh sees a hope.
