Tangtse: The Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA), in collaboration with Ten Friends of Lalok, successfully organized a one-day seminar titled “Preserving Our Past: Conservation of Cultural Heritage (Rock Art and Indigenous Language) for Future Generations” at Tangtse Community Hall on 8th September 2024.
The event attracted approximately 150 participants, including gobas (village leaders), residents from various villages, and students and teachers from local schools, including Centralized Residential School Tharuk, Govt. Middle School Tharuk, KGBV School Tangtse, Government High School Kargyam, and Govt. Middle School Shachukul.
The seminar commenced with a welcome speech by Thinles Angchuk, President of LBA Lalok, who underscored the importance of preserving Ladakh’s rich cultural and linguistic heritage for future generations.
He welcomed the speakers from the LBA Language Committee, including Ven. Urgyan Dadul and Tundup Dorjay (Stakmo), while the LBA Heritage Committee was represented by Dr. Sonam Wangchok and Prof. Tashi Dawa.
“Rang-zan Zo, Rang-gos Gon, and Rangskat Kol” is the slogan of the LBA Language Committee, which Ven. Dr. Urgyan Dadul shared with the audience during his speech on the importance of the Bhoti language. Using examples from Kangyur and Stangyur, he highlighted the richness of Bhoti in terms of grammar and literature.
Additionally, he urged residents of Durbuk Block to write business and restaurant names in the Bhoti script. He also advised school teachers to instill a sense of pride and interest in children for their ancestral language.
Renowned Ladakhi folk singer, Tundup Dorjay Stakmo, spoke on “The Role of Folk Songs in Preserving Indigenous Language.” He encouraged children to learn folk songs and understand their meanings, thereby enhancing their vocabulary in the local language.
He provided examples from various folk songs and explained in detail the significance of songs for different occasions. His melodious voice and performance of traditional songs further entertained the audience.
Dr. Sonam Wangchok engaged the audience with his presentation on “Cultural Preservation and Challenges”. He emphasized the importance of understanding the diverse values of cultural and natural heritage.
“By understanding, one will value it; by valuing, one will maintain it; by maintaining, one will help others enjoy it; and by enjoying it, a thirst to learn more will arise,” he explained.
He also urged villagers not to damage ancient monuments by using modern materials like cement in restoration efforts. Instead, he encouraged the restoration and maintenance of heritage sites based on a deep understanding of their unique values, advising consultation with experts before undertaking any restoration work.
Prof. Tashi Ldawa delivered a thought-provoking presentation on the Significance of Rock Art and Its Preservation. He encouraged students to actively protect ancient petroglyphs created by their ancestors, stressing that these priceless artifacts are under increasing threat of destruction.
Khenpo Tashi Dorjay, Guest of Honour and Umzad of Shachukul Monastery, also highlighted the importance of the bhoti language in maintaining Ladakh’s spiritual and cultural identity.
Tashi, Tehsildar of Tangtse, assured attendees that the administration would work to protect the region’s ancient rock art and prevent it from falling into private hands.
The Chief Guest, Rigzin Dorjey (Vice-President, LBA-Ladakh), praised the efforts of LBA Lalok, village gobas, and Ten Friends for organizing this important seminar. He pledged full support for future initiatives aimed at preserving Ladakh’s cultural and linguistic heritage.
Dr. Stanzin Namgail introduced Ten Friends of Lalok, outlining their major activities and objectives. He emphasized the organization’s commitment to engaging with young students in Lalok and guiding them toward a future rooted in cultural awareness. The first session concluded with a vote of thanks by Konchok Namdol, Vice President of LBA Lalok.
Following lunch, participants were taken on a guided field visit to the famous petroglyph sites around Tangtse, led by Prof. Tashi Ldawa. This excursion offered a hands-on experience of the region’s rich rock art heritage.
Adding to the ambiance, talented students from various schools performed songs in the traditional Dyamnan tune, accompanied by Dorjay Stakmo at the field sites.
