Kargil, September 13: The Indian Army, in collaboration with the Ladakh Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (LAACL), Kargil, and Government Degree College (GDC), Kargil, organised a Literary Festival on Saturday. The event, themed “Qalaam aur Virasat”, celebrated the rich literary and cultural heritage of Ladakh.
The Literary Festival started with the key note presentation by State Awardee Kacho Asfyandar Khan (Rtd. IAS) on the topic “Qalaam aur Virasat” that celebrated the rich literary and cultural heritage of Ladakh. The Festival also featured interactive sessions with regional language experts and historians, a panel discussion on the influence of history on Ladakhi literature, cultural performances, exhibitions of local art and crafts, and book stalls dedicated to Ladakhi literature.
Among the dignitaries present were Col Sudhir Ranjan Behera, CO 5 GARH RIF; noted author and poet Kacho Asfandyar Khan Faridoon, IAS (Retd.); Principal of GDC Kargil, Diskit Angmo; and Deputy Secretary LAACL, Nazir Hussain Ladakhi.
A panel discussion brought together Sheena author Raza Amjad Budgami, Balti historian Sadiq Hardassi, Purgi researcher Mohd Issa Sabiri, and Brokskat-Dardi scholar Arif Hussain Ladakhi. The session, moderated by Assistant Professor of English Nasir Khafi, explored how migrations shaped Ladakh’s cultural diversity and ethnic identity.
Col Behera, who also felicitated the guests, speakers and artists, said Ladakh is a unique example of unity in diversity with no parallel in the country. He urged students to stay connected with their roots, promote regional culture and languages through social media, and cultivate a daily reading habit. He also expressed gratitude to GDC Kargil and LAACL for their support in organising the event.
