‘Known for bravery in war, faith in Buddha’
Large scope for spiritual, eco, adventure tourism
Artificial glacier technology helping locals, farmers
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Nov 1: President Droupadi Murmu said today that the common people of Ladakh always stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Army soldiers and played their role in defence of the country.
Addressing civic reception hosted in her honour at Sindhu Ghat, Leh on second day of her visit to the Union Territory of Ladakh, Murmu said all countrymen have special love and respect for the people of Ladakh which is known as land of the bravehearts.
“The country feels proud of history of Ladakh Scouts Regiment. The list of bravehearts who were born in the land of Ladakh is very long and I salute all of them. In the wars of 1948 and 1971, they displayed impressive bravery and were awarded two Mahavir Chakras. Name of Colonel Chhewang Rigchen is included in golden words in the list of brave soldiers,” she said.
Referring to 1999 Kargil war between India and Pakistan, the President said Colonel Sonam Wangchuk was also awarded Mahavir Chakra for his extraordinary bravery in defending the land of Bharat Mata.
“People of Ladakh are known for bravery in war and faith in Buddha. Lord Buddha’s immortal message was spread to several far off countries from Ladakh. Leh is also prominent centre of Buddha dharma. Similarly, Sufi Saints from Kargil strengthened religious traditions of the country,” Droupadi Murmu said.
Asserting that there are large scale possibilities for development of spiritual , adventure and eco-tourism in Ladakh, she said Kargil Suru, Nubra, Leh, Zanskar and Drass are such a beautiful places that it needs special talent to explain them.
“Beauty of these places attracts everyone,” the President said.
Murmu said there has been large scope of wellness and health tourism in Ladakh.
“People have large scale attraction towards Dova-Rigpa or Aamchi health tradition. Apart from modern health facilities, the ancient tradition of health can also be encourage and will prove fruitful for holistic healthcare,” she said.
In this connection, she also referred to Dr Chhering Nurbu for his valuable contribution towards awareness and prevention of diseases for which he was awarded Padma Shree in 2019.
Murmu said that Sindhu river exists in the depth of historical, cultural and spiritual consciousness of all Indians.
The President said it is a matter of happiness that the rich traditions of many tribal communities are alive in Ladakh.
She said that people know about the affection and respect for nature which are reflected in the arts, dances, songs and lifestyle of tribal communities.
Murmu highlighted that “we should preserve the lifestyle of tribal communities” in accordance with the “lifestyle for the environment”.
She said that people of those communities should also be encouraged to adopt the goodness of modern development.
Murmu said that this confluence of tradition and modernity will prove to be the right path of sustainable development for all citizens, including people of Ladakh.
The President also interacted with members of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and local tribals.
Highlighting the importance of Sindhu river, also called as Dariya Sindh, the President said since 1997 every year Sindhu Darshan Festival is organized here. “I’m pleased to know that Sindhu Darshan festival is celebrated with great pomp and show,” she added.
She referred to Chhewang Norfel, known as Ladakhi Glacier Man, who developed artificial glacier technology to help locals especially the farmers.
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