On April 29, Kargil held a cultural event at the historic Khanka, Goma Kargil, as part of the celebrations of World Heritage Day. Since the Goma Kargil Khanka is one of Kargil’s most significant historical sites, the celebration of this kind of event there is historic. “Apricots: The Essence of Cultural and Natural Heritage of Ladakh” was the theme of the program, which was organised by the Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation in association with Council Model High School, Goma Kargil.
The conservation of cultural and natural heritage is always strengthened by small but significant events that promote community involvement and intergenerational communication. This kind of event tends to have a bigger effect on a society since it gives the elder generation a chance to share their expertise and the younger generation a chance to learn from it. ‘Yod te ma tran med te tran’ is a well-known Ladakhi proverb. Meaning, it is only after a treasure is lost that we recognise its worth, and by then, it is too late.
In his speech on the occasion, Dr. Sonam Wangchok reiterated this proverb when he stated that the significance of celebrating an event that honours our heritage is to serve as a reminder of its value. He said that these kinds of days should be observed every day, with an emphasis on appreciating and preserving them.
Ladakh is a land of rich culture and heritage encompassing both tangible, intangible and natural heritage. People’s perspective on heritage may vary from person to person. Some view it as real treasure; some unknowingly lose touch with it while getting adapted to the modern lifestyle. We often fail to recognise our heritage simply because we have grown up around it. What outsiders see as valuable heritage, locals may overlook because it has always been seen as part of their lives.
Executive Councillor for Tourism, LAHDC Kargil, Kacho Mohammad Feroz, stressed the importance of safeguarding the region’s language and cultural identity, while Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Shrikant Balasaheb Suse, highlighted the potential of allotting funding for listing and heritage restoration in the Kargil region.
Historian Mohammad Sadiq, while speaking on the theme of the event, highlighted the importance of apricots and the health benefits. He emphasised the importance of apricots, referencing how Hunza has been declared cancer-free, possibly due to their apricot-rich diet. He stressed that Kargil, also has abundant of apricots, should recognise and value this local resource.
Dr Sonam Wangchuk, emphasized vital role heritage plays in shaping the economy and identity of the people of Ladakh. He highlighted that heritage should be valued and celebrated every day to ensure its preservation. He further noted that his work is not limited to Leh or Kargil but is focused on the heritage of Ladakh as a whole. In his view, any heritage site across Ladakh belongs to the people of Ladakh, and we must collectively cherish and protect them.
Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC Kargil, Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, attended the occasion as the chief guest. In his address, he emphasised the urgent need to preserve and promote Ladakh’s unique heritage and announced a grant of five lakh rupees for cultural preservation activities. CEC appreciated the efforts of the Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation for organising the event aim to preserve Ladakh’s rich cultural heritage.
Present on the occasion were Executive Councillor for Tourism Kacho Mohammad Feroz; Deputy Commissioner/CEO LAHDC, Kargil, Shrikant Balasaheb Suse; Councillor Kargil Town Haji Abass, Founder of HCHF; Dr Sonam Wangchok, Editor of Stawa Magazine; Sunetro Goshal; Historian Sadiq Hardassi; members of the Village Education Committee; members from Stringmo; and students of Council Model High School, Goma Kargil, and other schools.
The event also included an essay writing competition and a drawing competition focused on the theme “My Cultural Heritage is My Identity”. Students who secured positions were presented with prizes and certificates, aiming to engage the youth in such heritage awareness and preservation. The first position in the essay competition is bagged by Nasreen Fatima of Govt. Girls Hr. Sec. School, followed by Bilquees Fatima of Govt. Girls Hr. Sec. School, and the third position is secured by Nusrath Fatima of Suru Valley Public Hr. Sec. School Kargil. The first position in the painting competition is secured by Burhan Murtaza of Council Model High School Goma Kargil, followed by Farida Batool of Jaffaria Modern Public-School Goma Kargil, and the third position is secured by Hamida Batool of PM Shri Model High School Lankore.
The event was joined by all age groups but mostly by the students of different schools in Goma Kargil. The presence of schoolchildren made this programme more impactful, as they are the ones who will carry forward the legacy. Young minds often carry messages and important information from such events, making the words spread more among their family members, as compared to elders who usually don’t share what was heard.
Heritage Day Celebrated in Kargil
