Leh 13 :- The LDUMRA Youth Festival, organized by the Dean Students Welfare, University of Ladakh with financial support from the J&K AIDS Control Society, was a vibrant celebration of cultural heritage and youthful talent. Held on August 12, 2024, at the Leh Campus, this annual event brought together students, community members, and distinguished guests for a day filled with engaging and diverse activities.
The festival began with a grand inaugural ceremony, marked by the lighting of a lamp and a Saraswati Vandana performed by B. Ed students. This traditional ritual set a respectful and hopeful tone for the day’s events. The Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, University of Ladakh Prof. S K Mehta served as the Chief Guest, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the role of such festivals in nurturing local talent and preserving cultural traditions and highlighted the importance of creativity and cultural appreciation among the youth. Mr. Homayun Taba, advisor to the University of Ladakh, was the Guest of Honor.
Jigmat Lamo and S. Thinles Wangmo, B.Ed. students, moderated the sessions throughout the day, ensuring that each segment of the festival proceeded smoothly.
A major highlight of the festival was the Ladakhi Folk Song Competition, where participants performed traditional music from the region, dressed in colourful attire. Their performances resonated with the audience, celebrating Ladakh’s rich musical heritage and fostering a shared cultural experience.
The festival featured a variety of competitions and exhibitions. Students participated actively in the Ethnic Food Exhibition, where they prepared and presented traditional Ladakhi dishes. Each food stall was judged based on authenticity, presentation, and taste, providing attendees with a delightful culinary journey. The Poem Recitation Competition allowed participants to express their literary talents, while the Archery Competitions showcased both traditional and modern archery skills, captivating spectators with displays of precision.
In the afternoon, the Skit Competition offered teams a platform to perform short dramas on social and cultural issues. The skits, filled with creativity and humor, delivered thought-provoking messages. Simultaneously, the Poster Making Competition on HIV/AIDS engaged participants in raising awareness through visually compelling and informative posters.
The Speech Competition highlighted participants’ oratory skills as they addressed various topics with clarity and persuasive argumentation. This segment allowed speakers to connect with their audience on important issues. The Folk Dance Competition followed, providing dynamic performances of traditional and contemporary dances that reflected the vibrant dance culture of Ladakh.
The festival concluded with the Valedictory and Prize Distribution Programme, where Sh. Tsering Angchuk, Deputy CEC of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Leh, and the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor honored the winners and participants of the various competitions with certificates and trophies. In his address, Sh. Tsering Angchuk emphasized the importance of celebrating such events, noting that they are essential for fostering cultural pride and unity within the community. He praised the festival for its role in highlighting local talent and promoting cultural heritage, underscoring the need for continued support and participation in such initiatives. Hon’ble Vice Chancellor congratulated all the winners and runner-ups and praised and appreciated all the participants for their enthusiastic participation in the event. Prof. Mehta focused on the importance of such activities for students alongside academics, as emphasized in the NEP 2020.
The event wrapped up with a Musical Evening accompanied by dinner. Ladakh’s famous singer Faisal Ashoor set the stage with his melodious songs, providing a fitting end to the day’s activities. His performance captivated the audience, creating a delightful and memorable conclusion to the festival. The enchanting melodies and lively atmosphere allowed attendees to relax and reflect on the day’s events, leaving them with lasting memories of a successful celebration.
Dr. Ashu Rajput, Assistant Professor at the University of Ladakh, gave the vote of thanks, acknowledging the efforts of everyone involved in making the festival a success.
Overall, the LDUMRA Youth Festival was a resounding success. It effectively showcased the talents of the youth and celebrated the cultural richness of Ladakh. The festival’s well-organized schedule, combined with its emphasis on cultural heritage and community engagement, made it a memorable event that strengthened local bonds and provided a platform for creative expression.
