Balti Culture Day inaugurated in Ladakh

Kargil, Feb 15: The Balti Culture Day  was inaugurated in Ladakh.

The first-ever Balti Culture Day, organised jointly by the Balti Association of India and the Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation, unfolded in Ladakh, marking a historic occasion in the celebration and preservation of Balti culture, language, and heritage. This event held in memory of the late scholar Hujjatul Islam Sheikh Mohammad  Jawad Zubdavi, aimed to bring together scholars, historians, poets, and students to discuss and commemorate the rich cultural heritage of the Balti community.

The programme unfolded in two sessions, featuring a series of thought-provoking research paper presentations and a vibrant multilingual Mushaira. Renowned figures such as historian Mohammad Sadiq Hardassi, Dr Mehdi Tyakshi, and Tsewang Dorjey Dongbos presented papers on various aspects, including the historical relationship between Ladakh and Baltistan, Balti literature, and the cultural connections between Balti and Ladakhi communities.

Fazil Abass, a distinguished Balti poet and scholar from Turtuk, delivered a heartfelt keynote on the life and biography of Late Sheikh Jawad Zubdavi, providing a personal and insightful perspective.

The Chief Guest, Ashraf Ali Barcha, President of Anjuman Imamia Leh, acknowledged the efforts of Dr. Sonam Wangchuk and the organizing team. He emphasized the need for research on how Balti culture reached Ladakh and neighboring sectors, underscoring the significance of such initiatives in preserving cultural identities.

Dr Sonam Wangchuk, the founder of the Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation, spoke to the media, expressing the primary goal of Balti Culture Day: to promote and preserve Balti culture, language, and heritage. Dr Wangchuk announced that this event would become an annual celebration held in different parts of the country.