Leh, Sept 16: In a landmark event, the Ladakh Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages (LAACL), Leh under the supervision of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Leh, will conduct a National Urdu Seminar in Turtuk on September 27, 2024. The seminar is part of the “Balti Spangang Literary & Cultural Festival 2024.”
Renowned Urdu and Hindi scholar Khayal Ladakhi, also a District Awardee, shared details about the seminar, highlighting its historic significance. “This is the first time in history that a National-level Urdu program will be held in this region. It will not only boost interest in Urdu literature but also act as a cultural exchange initiative. It’s a unique event in the annals of Urdu literature,” said Ladakhi.
He further emphasized the role of art and literature in the Indian subcontinent, stating, “Historically, the region’s art and literature have been closely intertwined, particularly in the realm of performing arts like dance, music, and theatre. As modern methods take precedence in the performing arts, this seminar offers hope for the preservation and promotion of Urdu literature, especially in remote areas like Turtuk and Bogdang.”
Turtuk, a village near the Line of Control that became part of India after the 1971 Indo-Pak war, is located in one of the northernmost regions of India, requiring travel across the world’s highest motorable pass, Khardong La, situated at an altitude of 18,000 feet.
The seminar will be conducted in two segments: a ‘Paper Reading Segment’ and a ‘Poetic Symposium’ (Mushaira). Scholars from Lucknow, Kanpur, Srinagar, Kargil, and Drass will present their research papers, while over 15 poets from cities including Aligarh, Kanpur, Lucknow, Delhi, Chandigarh, Srinagar, Kargil, and Leh, along with local poets from Turtuk and Bogdang, will participate in the Mushaira.
Expressing gratitude, Khayal Ladakhi acknowledged the support of the Ladakh UT Administration, LAHDC Leh, and LAACL Leh.
“Without their contributions, organizing such a large-scale seminar would have been impossible. I also thank all the participants who have graciously agreed to be part of this historic event,” he said.
