Ladakh celebrates 7th Ladakh dPal rNgam Duston with grand fervor

LAHDC Leh Lifetime Achievement Award conferred posthumously to HE Chosje Tokdan Rinpoche

Ladakh Scouts conferred 7th Ladakh dPal rNgam Duston award

Leh, Aug 06: The grand celebration of the 7th Ladakh dPal rNgam Duston, after the symbolic commencement from Leh Palace in the morning, continued at NDS Sports Ground on August 5th where Lt Governor, UT Ladakh, Brig (Dr) B D Mishra (Retd) presided as the chief guest. Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Leh, Adv Tashi Gyalson; Member of Parliament, Ladakh, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal were present as the guest of honour.

Advisor, UT Ladakh; Executive Councillors; GOC 14 Corps were the special guests besides all the other dignitaries, including Councillors, Head of Socio-religious and political organisations, representatives from different stakeholders, war veterans, Veer Naris, and thousands of audiences gathered for the mega celebration.

Ladakh dPal rNgam Duston is envisioned by LAHDC Leh to celebrate the pride and glory of Ladakh with a dedicated theme each year. This year the selfless service and contribution of Ladakh Scouts, commemorating their 60 glorious years of formation is celebrated as the theme of the 7th Ladakh dPal rNgam Duston 2023. UT Ladakh has dedicated the year 2023 as the year of Ladakh Scouts. 

Honouring the lifetime contribution of His Eminence Chosje Tokdan Rinpoche, for the welfare of the people of Ladakh politically, socially, and religiously and for being a constant source of guidance and hope for the people generally and in times of crisis particularly, he was bestowed with LAHDC Leh Lifetime Achievement Award posthumously. 

On the occasion, the 7th Ladakh dPal rNgam Award was conferred to the Ladakh Scouts for their dedicated, meritorious, and selfless service to the nation.

In his keynote speech, LG Ladakh, Brig (Dr) B D Mishra (Retd) praised the organisers and the performers for making the event successful and congratulated Ladakh Scouts on its diamond jubilee. He shared the best wishes extended by Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi to the people of Ladakh on its UT Declaration Day and added that he is concerned about the holistic development of Ladakh. LG Ladakh added that his vision is to make the UT of Ladakh Corruption and Delay Free taking it on the path of development.   

Also, he shared about various initiatives taken by the UT Administration for the welfare of the people of Ladakh such as an increase in ex-gratia provided to the next of kin of martyred Army personnel, a plan to establish Ladakh’s own Recruitment Board, a new battalion of LSRC, etc. 

Addressing the gathering, CEC Tashi Gyalson, added that the four years of the new UT of Ladakh have strived hard to fulfill and overcome the backwardness that Ladakh was wedged in for the past 70 years. The new UT has provided an opportunity to ensure that growth and development are based on people’s aspirations and that the basic amenities are reached to all despite the sequestered nature of the region, covering the border areas as well. He added that in this new UT, the UT Administration and the Hill Councils are making concerted efforts and working hard for the holistic development of Ladakh and to carry forward the legacy of holistically building the new UT. 

Acknowledging the environmentally sensitive and geographically strategic location of Ladakh, CEC Gyalson added that the new UT of Ladakh holds a non-compromising vision regarding its development and also added that the responsibility of building this new UT falls on every individual of Ladakh along with its administration.

Recounting the immeasurable contributions of His Eminence Tokdan Rinpoche in all spheres of life of the Ladakhi people, CEC Gyaslon urged HLG Ladakh to that the highest of highest recognition is bestowed upon him for his service. He also commended the unforgettable service rendered by the Ladakh Scouts in the name of the nation. He lauded the valour and selfless dedication of the serving soldiers, the retired league, the martyred, and the families of the soldiers including the Veer Naris for their contribution and expressed heartfelt gratitude.

Terming the Ladakh Scouts as a ‘Gift to the nation from Ladakh’, he added that Ladakh Scout is one of the best things to have happened to Ladakh and added that Ladakh Scouts deserve due recognition for their bravery and meritorious service for the nation and Ladakh. He added that the welfare of soldiers and their families should be a top priority of the UT Administration and Hill Council,

MP Ladakh, JamyangTsering Namgyal, in his speech, recounted the sacrifices of the leaders like Kushok Bakula Rinpoche and the people of Ladakh in their demand for the status of Union Territory for Ladakh and expressed gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi for fulfilling the long pending and genuine demand of UT status in 2019 thereby granting a new lease of life to the people of Ladakh. Praising the Ladakh Scouts, MP Ladakh shared that Ladakh Scouts have touched all aspects of life in Ladakh making remarkable contributions.

Various cultural performances, including a musical folk ensemble, performances by Karate kids and Dune Kids, and a theatrical play depicting the origin and history of Ladakh Scouts along with their bravery and selfless contributions were showcased for the large gathering assembled for the celebration of Ladakh dPal rNgam Duston 2023.