Leh, Nov 19: 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.
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.
Meanwhile, in continuance to the celebration of World Heritage Week (Nov19-25), the Archaeological Survey of India, Mini Circle Leh in collaboration with the Archives, Archaeology and Museums, Department of Culture, UT Ladakh, today organised a visit to important historical/heritage sites in Leh, including Saspol cave, Alchi monastery and Alchi petroglyphs site.
Around 40 students studying in different schools from Shey village headed by Archaeologist (ASI), Dr Sonam Spalzin and Registering Officer, Archives and Antiquities, Leh, Khadim Hussain and concerned officials, village representatives and a few parents were part of the event.
The visit aimed to raise awareness among the students/participants about the importance of historical sites and the rich cultural heritage of Ladakh. The students were briefed about the role and rights of every individual in the conservation and preservation of cultural heritage.
