Leh: Archaeological Survey of India, Mini Circle Leh in collaboration with Archives, Archaeology and Museums, Department of Culture, UT Ladakh organised an event to celebrate World Heritage Week (Nov 19-25) at the historic Leh Palace today in the presence of Secretary, Culture and Tourism, UT Ladakh, Kacho Mehboob Ali Khan.
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Principal, EJM College, Leh, Professor Samina Iqbal; Head, History Department, University of Ladakh, Professor, Phuntsog Angmo; Director, SLC Trust, Dr Tsewang Namgyal; Petroglyphs expert, Professor Tashi Ldawa; Professors, Assistant Professors of UoL and EJM college; Officers and officials of Archaeological Survey of India, Mini Circle Leh and Archives department; other dignitaries and students of UoL and EJM college were also present.
Secretary, Culture and Tourism, UT Ladakh, Kacho Mehboob Ali Khan, while addressing, stressed the collective responsibility of the whole community in the restoration and preservation of culture and heritage (tangible/intangible). He also highlighted the various collaborative initiatives and concerted efforts of the UT Administration and Hill Councils through their different executing agencies in the documentation, restoration, preservation and conservation of the rich and diverse culture and heritage.
He added that around 1000 folk songs of Ladakh are documented for posterity via Culture Academy, Ladakh.
He briefed about the initiative of listing heritage and historical sites and the advisory issued to the various agencies such as BRO, Army, PWD and RDD, etc. for not damaging important sites of petroglyphs (rock art) and others while executing their developmental works.
Director, SLC Trust, Dr Tsewang Namgyal, spoke about the tangible and intangible aspects of the food/gastronomical heritage of Ladakh and the diverse and rich food crops grown in Ladakh and numerous traditional cuisine/dishes which have almost disappeared from our diet.
Head, History Department, UoL, Professor Phuntosg Angmo, briefed about the need for the exploration and conservation of the intangible cultural heritage of Ladakh, including practices, expressions, oral traditions, rituals, ceremonies, etc., which represents the composite culture of Ladakh.
Petroglyph expert Professor Tashi Ldawa termed ‘heritage’ as a resource which brings a sense of identity, pride and belongingness. He urged the need of owning our rich heritage and the responsibility of each individual in maintaining and preserving the same. He shared that there are around 800 rock art sites in Ladakh, among which few could be termed exemplary at the world level.
Participation certificates were distributed among the students of UoL and EJM College.
World Heritage Week is observed to spread awareness among the people and community about the importance of tradition, culture and heritage, including tangible and intangible aspects of heritage and the need for its conservation, preservation, restoration and promotion.
