ABISHKAR UPADHAYA
LEH: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Brig. (Dr) BD Mishra today asserted that he was here to take Ladakh on the path of prosperity and development and his mission was to make the Union Territory corruption-free.
The LG was addressing the gathering of Yatris after inaugurating the 27th “Sindhu Darshan Festival” at Shey Manla, here. He inaugurated the Sindhu Darshan Yatra by hoisting the national flag at the ghat.
A host of dignitaries were present on the occasion including Dr Indresh Kumar, chief patron and margdarshak of Sindhu Darshan Yatra Samiti; Jagadguru Shankaracharya Shri Shri Vasudevand Ji, H.E. Palga Rinpoche; Advisor to LG Ladakh, Dr Pawan Kotwal; actor Gajendra Chouhan, EC Stanzin Chosphel; Secretaries Ravinder Kumar and Kacho Mehboob Ali, Muralidhar Makhija; President of Yatra Samiti; Dr Jagbir Information Commissioner, Govt of Haryana; Prof SK Mehta; Vice Chancellor, University of Ladakh; Prof Ashok Sharma, Registrar UoL and others.
Welcoming all the yatris, the LG expressed satisfaction over the scale of participation in the Utsav. He said that “Sindhu Darshan Utsav” had literally extended the boundary of India as earlier it was quoted to be from Kashmir to Kanyakumari but now it is Ladakh to Andaman and Nicobar.
“Utsav is uniting the whole nation in a new thread and it is a very encouraging and positive message for all of us,” he added.
Quoting the verse from Rigveda, Mishra said “It is evident that our civilization believes in peace and prosperity for all. We never thought of harming anyone and Sindhu River is witness to this.”
He suggested Dr Indresh and Sindhu Yatra Samiti to include Kargil district in the itinerary of this Utsav and exuded confidence that the same would start happening from next year.
He said, “The people of Kargil also want to be a part of this festival and it will be a matter of happiness for them if the one-day Utsav programme of Utsav is kept at their place.”
Dr Indresh also addressed the gathering on the occasion. He said, “Sindhu Darshan Utsav holds great significance for the people of India. It was started in the year 1997 and this is the 27th year that this programme has been held at this place. It has immensely benefited the people of Ladakh. The Utsav has brought prosperity in the lives of local people. And we want this association to grow further with each passing year.”
Commenting on the demands of Sixth Schedule and Statehood to Ladakh, he said the Home Ministry was planning big things for Ladakh. “May be two new districts will be granted to the people of Ladakh. This UT with the population size of just over three lakh is already been given two universities and the third one ‘Defence University’ is also in the pipeline. This speaks volume of our seriousness in taking Ladakh on the path of development. Centre is fully acquainted with the developmental needs of this region and committed to fulfil the same,” he said.
The event was also marked by mesmerizing musical dance performances by the cultural troupes from different states performed musical dance programmes under Patiala- based North Zone Cultural Centre. Various colorful cultural programs conveying the message of unity, integrity, harmony and brotherhood; culture, traditions and patriotic fervour were presented by the troops of artists.
Earlier, worship of Sindhu River was performed in traditional manner. Hundreds of yatris took holy bath in the river.
