Leh, Friday 15, July, 2016

lE-Mail: morupstanzin@gmail.com l Published from Jammu l Leh l Vol: 1 l No. 6 l Pages: 8 l Price: ` 5

C M Y K

Sakya Tseschen Leksphel holds 3-day

teaching session on Buddhism.... pg3

44TH Sakya Ratna Vajra inaugurates roller-skating

rink, basketball court at Lamdon School.... pg4

Sonam Dawa visits far-off hamlets

of Skyu-Markha Constituency... pg 5

LEH: To enthuse interest andprovide knowledge about richtraditions and vibrant culture ofthe region among students,Education Department with thesupport of Cultural Academyheld a daylong cultural festivalhere at Cluster Resource Centreat Housing Colony. Eightschools participated in theevent.

The festival witnessed aunique dress code with partici-pants including chief guestLAHDC Leh CEC Dr. SonamDawa Lonpo draped in tradi-tional dresses enjoyed vibrancyof Ladakh through ethnic food,dresses and antiques. Variouscompetitions were held amongteachers and students addingexcitement among all present

during the event.Dr. Dawa appreciating the

endeavour of Education

Department emphasized upontransferring the cultural heritageto younger generation through

such efforts. Underlining theneed of such innovative meth-ods to impart education to stu-

dents, he said that onus oftransferring cultural heritage tostudents lies on teachers.Mentioning about importanceof dress code, Dr. Dawainformed that Hill Council hadalready decided to wear tradi-tional dress on every Mondayand he assured to talk withDeputy Commissioner to followsuch procedure in all govern-ment departments. He alsoassured to keep special fundsallocation in Hill Council plan topromote culture, language andtraditions.

Sangeet Natak AcademyAwardee Mipham Otsal saidLadakh’s culture is our identitywhich strengthens us to counterall the challenges. “Languageand script are the roots of any

LEH: The legendary Hemisfestival popularly known asHemis Tses-Chu began heretoday to commemorate thebirth anniversary of GuruPadmasambhava, the eight cen-turies old Indian Guru reveredfor spreading TantrayanaBuddhism in the entireHimalayas.

The Mountain valley of Hemiswas surrounded with the melo-dious music and voices of peo-ple chanting prayers while thefragrance of incenses graspedthe entire valley with its scentedaroma. This year’s special attrac-tion was the display of GuruPadmasambhava’s silken imagewhich is showcased once every12 years. This marvelous image,a patched work of the finestChinese silk in various colours

believed to prepared between1750-1760 under the guidanceof Gyalsras Mipham Tsewang,

the royal monk regarded as thethird incarnation of the greatDragon Yogi Stagtsang Raspa.

Thousands of devoteesamidst religious festivitythronged Ladakh’s biggest

Monastery-Hemis to witness thespectacular mask dances per-formed by the monks with therhythmic beats of religiousmusical instruments and chanti-ng of prayers for peace, pros-perity and harmony.

Vibrant mask dance bymonks of the monastery attiredin their best robes with differentgestures of hands and legs sig-nifying good prevailing overevils captivated the visitors.

The first mask dance com-prised of thirteen black hatdancers followed by sixteendancers wearing copper gildedmasks and then it was the eightmanifestations of GuruPadmasambhava followed byGuru Padma Vajra.

While greeting the people onthe auspicious occasion ofHemis festival, His EminenceDrukpa Thuksey Rinpoche saidthat keeping the centuries oldtradition alive, we celebrate thisannual festival which is mostpopular not only in Ladakh butall over the world to pay hom-age to the Padmasambava whowas also considered as second

Education Deptt, Cultural Academy organize Cultural Festival

Times of LADAKH

4 Transfer culture, traditions to generation next; says Dr Dawa

Religious festivity, zeal markbeginning of 2-day Hemis festival

THOUSANDS THRONG

LADAKH’S BIGGEST

MONASTERY TO

WITNESS SPECTACULAR

CELEBRATIONS

02Times of LADAKHLeh, Friday 15, July, 2016

E.D.I.T

Times of LADAKH EditorialENDANGERING

COMMUNAL HARMONY

India is a land of unity in diversity with people belonging to differ-

ent religions, besides varied social and cultural backgrounds living

harmoniously since centuries. Unfortunately the subcontinent has

been marred by communal violence rather religious violence on many

occasions and the worst being the violence at the time of partition in

1947. Despite being proud of our performance as the largest democ-

racy of the world we feel disappointed with isolated instances of reli-

gious violence occasionally even after independence especially when

these incidents are drawing criticism from our adversaries across the

globe particularly those who have the worst and dubious records per-

taining to human rights. It is really most unfortunate when tension

erupts in a state like J&K where father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi

had seen a ray of hope emanating when the rest of the subcontinent

was witnessing religious violence at the time of partition. Although the

state has an untarnished record of communal harmony after inde-

pendence but there are elements bent upon attempting to tarnish the

image of the state on this count. Presently too when tragic deaths

have taken place in the valley during the past few days and the situa-

tion being quite tense there are elements who are hell bent upon cre-

ating a communal divide out of this tragic situation. Though the

nation has moved ahead despite being faced with major threats of

Communal violence, yet the factor has definitely impacted the socio-

economic development of the nation to some extent in the effected

areas across the nation. The state of Jammu and Kashmir during the

violence perpetrated by terrorists from across the border has already

witnessed the worst form of communal violence in nineties when the

minorities had to flee the Valley to save their lives. Today again there

are threats to the communal harmony in the state which neither the

state nor the nation can afford. Despite isolated religious disturbances

in the state on various occasions including those in the past few days

the imminent dangers to harmony cannot be undermined especially in

view of the ulterior motive of our neighbour which keeps an eye on

every opportunity to be exploited. Despite having legal provisions in

the form of constitutional guarantees to ensure communal harmony,

the recurring communal riots prove that the existing provisions are

insufficient to prevent communal clashes in India. Therefore there is a

dire need for active role to be played by autonomous bodies like

National Human Rights Commission of India, the National

Commission for Minorities and even the Non-Governmental

Organisations at the ground level. The role of NGOs in this regard is

most significant as sporadic and sometimes serious acts of religious

violence tend to occur at the grass root level. Besides this efforts

should be initiated to bring in such legislations that could prove ben-

eficial in reducing the scope for communal violence. Though there

have been a number of attempts to promulgate laws on the subject

from time to time but the efforts ended in vain. The bills in this regard

included the UPA government's Communal violence (Suppression) Bill

rejected due to legal faults followed by Communal violence

(Prevention, Control and Rehabilitation) Bill introduced in Parliament

in 2005 that was referred to the parliamentary committee for review

and the Prevention of communal and targeted violence (Access to

Justice and reparations) Bill, 2011 introduced in the Parliament with an

agenda to prevent communal clashes. Though the aforesaid bills fiz-

zled out due to whatever reasons, it is expected that the nation brings

legislation after meticulous deliberations with legal experts and draft

the bill with utmost precision so that we do have a law here that suc-

cessfully washes away the scope of communal or religious violence

anywhere in India. For the time being it is hoped that the people in the

valley especially the parents pay heed to the consistent appeals of the

CM Mehbooba Mufti and not allow anyone to play with the future of

their children and persuade them not to resort to violence. After all,

violence does not achieve anything but only results in bloodshed. Let

all the stakeholders uphold and keep intact the glory of this state

highlighted by father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi in 1947.

Eid- ul- Fitr is celebrated by the Muslims

all over the world on the first day of

Shawal which is the 10th month of

Islamic calendar. The word Eid means happi-

ness and ‘fitr’ is derived from the word ‘Iftar’

which is the meal for breaking the fast during

the holy month of Ramazan.

Ramazan is a month in which Muslims keep

fast called roza from dawn to dusk. They

spend most of their times in prayers, reading

Quran and helping the needy. The believers

restrain from prohibited deeds and take care

of each other. All efforts of holy Ramazan are

aimed at strengthening of spirit and spiritual-

ism and in weakening the forces of desire.

Allah has explained the importance of self

purification in Surah al shamas of holy Quran.

He says that only those who purify themselves

and be spiritually strong are successful. Eid is

celebrated to thank Allah for the blessings and

bounties of Ramazan. Muslims express their

gratitude for this holy month for their self-

purification and strengthening of virtues.

On the last evening of the holy month of

Ramazan people wait for the crescent moon

of the month of Shawal. As soon as the moon

is sighted, a wave of happiness spreads and

the greetings of Eid Mubarak echo every-

where. There are Hilal committees in every

area which include prominent religious lead-

ers, priests and moulvies of the place. They

collect information and confirm the sighting

of the moon. On the occasion of Eid Muslims

assemble at EidGah in the morning where they

offer Eid’s ceremonial prayers (Namaz e Eid).

After finishing the prayer, they hug each other

and wish Eid Mubarak.

Eid-ul-Fitr truly represents the values of

sharing happiness with the needy. Before the

Eid prayers people give some charity to the

poor people called as Fitrah so that everyone

irrespective of their financial conditions can

relish the bounties of Allah on Eid. This festival

is also signified by various mouthwatering del-

icacies with non vegetarian dishes being com-

mon among all the places. In Indian subconti-

nent a special sweet dish called sewaiyan is

prepared for Eid. Due to this tradition Eid-ul-

Fitr is also called Meethi (sweet) Eid. Other

than sewaiyan sweet dishes like sheer khur-

ma(a custard made of milk dates) and phirni

are also enjoyed. Like other parts of the world,

the festival is celebrated with zest and zeal in

Ladakh. The preparations for the festival start

many days before the Eid. People clean their

homes and buy new clothes. Markets are filled

with people buying different things. On the

day of Eid ladies cook delicious food mostly

non vegetarian. Qahwa and snacks are also

served. There is also a tradition of applying

Henna (mehendi) by young girls and ladies.

People go to meet their relatives and greet

them Eid Mubarak. Also people from other

religions come to give Eid wishes to their

Muslim friends and acquaintances. The little

children clad in new and bright clothes come

to their elders and wish them Eid Mubarak.

The elders of the family give them some

amount of money which is called Eidi as a

token of love and affection.

The festival of Eid-ul-Fitr is a festival of love

and brotherhood. The festival signifies that we

should express for the blessings bestowed on

us by the divine and also share them with the

needy.

Written by KausarRazavi

Eid-ul-Fitr: The festivalof love, harmony

C M Y K

Dear Editor,

For the past few years we have been witnessing that come monsoon and rains, the central aswell as the state governments launch massive plantation drives in the name of "green andclean cities" but these drives seem to be more of publicity overdrives thus leaving the plant-

ed saplings to the mercy of God thereafter. Through the medium of your esteemed newspaper Iwould like to point out that if one goes by the statistics available the saplings of all types plant-ed annually since 1951, then today there should have been no place left vacant without treesacross the nation. During such plantation drives tree saplings are mostly planted along all themajor highways and other places of public gatherings including parks and even the mountainstrips close to the cities and towns. Nowadays under the social forestry scheme there is hardlyany residential locality where the drive is not carried on but unfortunately without any after care.I would like to question the concerned authorities in the central as well as state governments asto how they can justify and explain the reduction of the green cover across the nation despitesuch massive plantations. The situation as it exists today is a clear indication of public money hav-ing been squandered by the Forest Departments of various states during all these decades. Whois to be held responsible and accountable for such a large scale fraud committed on the poor taxpayers? Will it be the political leadership or bureaucracy or technocrats? Through the medium ofthis esteemed newspaper I appeal to the RTI activists to raise an RTI queries in this regard againstall the state governments and the central government. Er. Deepika Matanhelia,

Gurgaon, Haryana.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

THESE PLANTATION DRIVES...?

Times of LADAKHLeh, Friday 15, July, 2016

N.E.W.S03

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Owned and Published by YDA, Hemis Complex Zangsti Upper Tukcha Road Leh Ladakh J&K Pin-194101, Phone 01982-251536, Mobile 9906988616, E-Mail:yda.ladakh@gmail.com, morupstanzin@gmail.com Editor: Morup Stanzin, Reporter: Deachen Chuskit, Layout Designer: Kanish Sharma, Printed at Early Times Printing Press,

Samadhian Road, Jammu.

DEACHEN CHUSKIT

LEH: Student Association for VillageEducation (SAVE) in collaboration withLadakh Drayang (Lalok) organized a day-long seminar on empoweringChangthang (remote village) at SheynamCommittee Hall on Sunday. KyabjayThuksay Rinpochay was the chief guestwhile Dorjay Motup EC Works was theguest of honour. Tsering Gyalpo SSP Lehand Executive Councilors from Nyomaand Durbuk blocks besides Professorsfrom CIBS School were also present.

The seminar was divided into two ses-sions, in the first session three prominentspeakers Khenpo T. Namgyal, JigmetMingur and Urgain Chorol (member ofBJP Mahela Mandal) talked on differenttopics like casteism, scope of Sowa Rigpa(Traditional treatment) and role ofwomen in politics respectively.

Namgyal said that with awarenessamong masses due to spread of educa-tion, casteism has no relevance in thepresent day world. “People nowadayshave understood the value of educationand that should be the only benchmarkfor judging anybody’s talent”, addedNamgyal. Jigmet while divulging on thescope of Sowa Rigpa, demanded thatGovernment of India should also giverecognition to this traditional treatment

system on the lines of Ayurveda becausedespite being different from Ayurveda ithas its own relevance. Urgain Chorol saidthat politics could play a vital role in thedevelopment of regions. “Empowermentof Changthang will only be possible ifpeople unite for the cause to getChangthang the status of Division”, headded.

The second session started with thebrief introduction of SAVE and LadakhDrayang by their presidents followed byThuksay Rinpochay’s enlightening talkon youth, moral education and modern-ization. Requesting people to avoid meatand alcohol, he said that being a follow-er of Buddha, we should have a kindheart garnished with adorable behaviour.He said Ladakhis need not to adopt birthcontrol measures since population hereis very low. “Though it is important as faras country is concerned but for the sakeof religion and region we should thinkotherwise”, he added. Dorjy Motupshared his views on education inChangthang. He said that education inChangthang as compare to other villagesis not good and needs added focus. ProfTsering Choldon talked on career oppor-tunities in political science and KonchokStanzin Councilor Chuchul dwelt onempowerment of Changthang. Around60 students attended the seminar.

LEH: Three days passport SevaCamp being organized by passportoffice, Srinagar for the people of Lehand Kargil districts was inaugurated byChief Executive Councilor LAHDC, LehDr. Sonam Dawa Lonpo at InformationTechnology Centre, mini secretariat,near council Secretariat, here today.

Executive Councilor AgricultureTsering Wangdus, Additional DeputyCommissioner, Leh Mouzes Kunzang,Passport Officer, Srinagar Firdos Iqbal.

The CEC appreciated the efforts ofpassport office, Srinagar for organizing

this camp in Leh as this will helpLadakhis to get their new passportsbesides facility to renew the olderones.

Passport Officer, Srinagar apprisedthe CEC that the main objective of thecamp is to sort out the in-convenienceof the passport applicants of Leh andKargil districts. He informed that it issecond time when Seva Camp is organ-ized at Leh. Last year also 3000 applica-tions were processed during the similarcamp. The first day witnessed hugeresponse of the applicants.

‘FOLLOW LORD

BUDDHA’S

TEACHINGS TO

ATTAIN BLISS,

CONTENTMENT’

LEH: Sakya TseschenLeksphel Tsogspa Lehheld three days teach-ing session here atChowkhang Vihara. Onthe first day of teachingtoday Ratna Vajra SakyaRinpochey impartedintroductory teachingon Buddhism andA v a l o k i t e s h v a r a ’ sempowerment.

He emphasized thatevery sentient being inthe universe is longingfor happiness andnobody wants sufferinghowever most of thepeople without know-ing the right way toattain happiness go inwrong direction thusearning negative meritsin life leading to suffer-ings. “ Lord Buddha hasclearly shown the right

path to attain happi-ness therefore we mustfollow his teachings toattain bliss and con-tentment”, he main-tained adding thatthere is no magicalpower or short cutavailable to attain hap-piness.

He said that desire,hatred and jealousy arethe main causes of suf-fering so people shouldnot allow these badvirtues to overpowertheir minds rather theyshould follow LordBuddha to attain happi-

ness.On Sunday, Ratna

Vajra Sakya Rinpocheyshall impart Hayagriva-V a j r a p a n i - G a r u d a ’ sempowerment followedby special teachings toyouth brigade.

Interacting withmedia Sakya TseschenLeksphel TsogspaPresident TsewangNurboo informed thatthis teaching is beingorganized by Tsogspahaving 57 members forthe peace and prosperi-ty of entire sentientbeings.

Sakya Tseschen Leksphel holds 3-dayteaching session on Buddhism

LEH: Fire and Fury Corpsorganised a rally for veter-ans and Ex-servicemen(ESM) of Durbuk andTangtse Blocks at Durbukon Wednesday. GeneralOfficer Commanding Fireand Fury Corps inaugurat-ed the rally that witnessed astrength of over 1,400 vet-erans from the far flungareas of Durbuk andTangtse Blocks.

The event embarkedwith a captivating per-formance by FunchukLadakhi who struck achord with the locals whenhe sung the LadakhiRegimental song. To add

to the merriment of theday, the visitors wereenthralled by two groupdance performances byGovernment MiddleSchool, Tharuk and KGBVSchool, Tangtse. TheSarpanch of Durbuk andTangtse Block reiteratedthe value of the insepara-ble bond between theArmy and the residents ofEastern Ladakh since inde-pendence. He alsothanked the Army for allthe meaningful assistanceprovided over the years.

Later, the CorpsCommander felicitated theVeer Naris, veterans and

the Sarpanchs. He also pre-sented the locals with IceHockey kits, Electric cablefor Solar Power Plant,Computers, Photocopiers,School furniture, Waterpumps, wheel chairs andwalkers for specially abledpersons and also dedicatednumerous ‘Sadbhavana’projects in order toimprove their quality of life.The locals thereafter tookadvantage of the variouseducative, motivating andrecruitment related stallsestablished at the venue.The medical camp at therally received hugeresponse wherein over 300locals sought treatmentand medical advice.

In his thanks givingspeech, the CorpsCommander appreciatedthe locals for their graciousand helpful attitudetowards the Armed forcesand assured them of all thehelp from the Indian Armyfor their betterment. Healso lauded the efforts ofthe local formations inempowering the locals insuch an inhospitable andharsh terrain.

SAVE holds seminar onempowering Changthang

3-day Passport Seva Camp begins

Fire & Fury Corps reaches out toveterans, ESMs of Durbuk, Tangtse

N.E.W.S

Times of LADAKHLeh, Friday 15, July, 2016

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04

LEH: MP Ladakh ThupstanChhewang asked the stakeholdersto work in tandem for achievingcent per cent mobile connectivitythrough BSNL network in every sin-gle village of Ladakh region in thecoming days.

He said this while chairing theTelephone Advisory Committee(TAC) meeting of Bharat SancharNigam Limited (BSNL), Ladakh hereon Monday. He is also the Chairmanof the aforesaid Committee. Heasked the officers of BSNL headedby TDM, Ladakh, Phunchok Dorjeyto give their best in providing reli-able communication facilities to theresidents of Ladakh.

After thematic discussion on theupcoming 28 Mobile Towers inLadakh under Ministry of HomeAffairs at Indo-China border, 162Mobile Towers under UniversalService Obligation (USO) meant forthose villages which are financially

non-viable due to low populationand very high operational cost and117 DSPTs for Ladakh, Chhewangdirected TDM and TAC Members toconvene a meeting of all the TACMembers to finalize the list of thetowers and DSPTs so that thesecould be installed soon. The TACmember Shaam Region CouncilorSkurbuchan Phuntsog Stanzin, TACMember Councilor MartselangJamyang Tsering Namgyal and TACMember Nubra Nubra StanzinDelik also gave their suggestionsand inputs for further improvementof telecommunication services intheir respective areas.

The meeting also reviewed theAction Taken-cum-Progress Reportof BSNL in reference to the meetingof MOC&IT with the delegation ofLadakh region led by MP Ladkah T.Chhewang regarding improvingtelecom connectivity held in themonth of December, 2015.

DEACHEN CHUSKITLEH: 44th Sakya Ratna Vajra

on Thursday inaugurated roller-skating rink and basket ball courthere at Lamdon Model HigherSecondary School (LMHSS).

President of Ladakh BuddhistAssociation Tsewang Thinles,Cultural Academy OfficerTsewang Paljor and PadmashriMorup Namgyal alongwith fewvolunteer doctors also accompa-nied Ratna Vajra during the inau-guration.

Principal LMHSS Ishey Tondupwhile delivering the vote ofthanks gave an overview of theschool. He said that at the begin-ning there were only few studentsand now after 44 years of estab-lishment the number has swelledto around 2000 with 7 branchesat different villages.

President Lamdon WelfareSociety Tsewag Nurbo asserted

that Lamdon is not a society ofthree or four members rather itis a society of all the Ladakhipeople. He proudly informedthat many former students ofthis school have voluntarilyjoined hands with the manage-ment to upgrade the school andwork in the direction to furtherthe cause of imparting qualityeducation.

Founding member of LMHSSPadmashri Morup Namgyal alsocongratulated the students andstaff members for their hard workin maintaining the quality of edu-cation and standard of teachingin the school. LBA PresidentTsewang Paljor appreciatedPrincipal LMHSS for providingstudents and teachers all thefacilities and edifice required forimparting quality education.

On the occasion, the schoolmanagement also felicitated few

trainers from abroad and somevolunteer doctors for their sup-port in the smooth functioning ofthe school.

Speaking on the occasion,Ratna Vajra emphasized on sig-nificance of education. He saidthat true knowledge can onlybe attained through propereducation. “To become a schol-ar we need to study and workhard. Knowledge is a treasurewhich nobody can steal andremain at behest for the entirelife. This is the key to happinessand contentment”, he assertedadding that good intention,nice behavior and selfless heartcan make this world a betterplace to live.

A scintillating cultural pro-gramme by the students fol-lowed by National Anthemmarked the culmination of theprogramme.

44TH Sakya Ratna Vajra inaugurates roller-skatingrink, basketball court at Lamdon School

‘Work in tandem to connect everysingle village with BSNL network'

LEH: Chief ExecutiveCouncilor, LAHDC, Leh Dr. SonamDawa Lonpo on Tuesday askedall the stakeholders ofAgriculture and allied sectors togear up for showcasing Ladakh’spotential to 15-member delega-tion from the Ministry ofLivestock DevelopmentDepartment of Nepal visiting Lehon July 20.

He was addressing a meetingof all the Executive Councilorsand HoDs of Sheep Husbandry,Animal Husbandry, Handloom,Handicraft and representatives ofAll Changthang Pashmina GrowerCooperative Society (ACPGCS)convened specially to discuss thepreparations before the arrival ofthe Nepali delegation.

Highlighting the objectives ofvisiting team working onHimalayan region of Nepal forthe employment generation andlivelihood improvement of theHimalayan people through theflow of grants in more than 41agriculture, livestock and herbalproducts including commercial

sheep and goat farming, Dr.Dawa said that it is a greatopportunity for people of Leh toexhibit the potential of the dis-trict in agriculture and allied sec-tors to the visiting delegation. Hedirected concerned ECs and offi-cers to be ready to showcasetheir respective units and farmswith latest data of raw and fin-ished products which could beexported to Nepal. He furtheradded that visit of Nepali teamwill open trade linkage and tech-nology exchange betweenLadakh and Nepal.

The meeting decided todemonstrate Pashmina DehairingPlant, working system ofACPGCS, Pashmina productsunits, showrooms of Handloomand Handicraft departments,Upshi Farm, Nomadic Life atSamad area of Changthang, YakCheese product in Tangtseregion, Yak and Camel woolproducts at Nubra Diskit, Farmsof Agriculture and Horticulturedepartment and SKUAST Leh tothe visiting Nepali delegation.

LEH: To connect school withthe community, Druk PadmaKarpo School celebrated its 2ndAnnual White Lotus Fete andExpo with great pomp andshow here at Shey. Scores ofpeople and students from dif-

ferent parts of District visitedthe Fete. Variety of food stalls,talent shows, art & crafts stalls,exiting games, horse riding,rock show, lottery, have beeninstalled by the senior studentsof DPKS with the guidance of

DPKS teachers.The collections during the

Fete is supposed to help theneedy students and for improv-ing school infrastructure.

Stanzin Kunzang PrincipalDPKS said that aim of this Feteis to bring the community clo-sure and dispense informationabout schools ideology andpolicy.

Thinles Angmo, a student ofDPKS stationed at Art & Craftsstall said by organizing suchevents students get opportuni-ty to groom by interacting withpeople who came from differ-ent parts of Leh.

DC Leh Prasana RamaswamiG and SSP Leh T. Gyalpoaccompanied by the Principaltook a round of the school andinspired the students to contin-ue to participate in suchendeavours to hone their skills.

Rancho's School holds 2nd annualwhite lotus fete & expo

Nepali Livestock

Development Ministry team

visiting on July 204 Showcase Ladakh’s potential to

promote export: Dr Dawa

L.E.H

Times of LADAKHLeh, Friday 15, July, 2016 05

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Jet Airways holdsmaiden cabin crew

recruitment drive in Leh

LEH: Confirming the assertion that affableLadakhis are best suited for the elite hospitalityindustry assignments, Jet Airways ventured out withthe District Administration Leh to carry out first everCabin Crew recruitment drive in the history of Ladakhhere on Saturday.

The recruitment drive witnessed a tremendousresponse with 309 aspirants appearing for the inter-views, out of which 10 sailed out successfully for thepromising job in the aviation sector.

Impressed over the idea of generating job avenuethrough this drive, Deputy Commissioner LehPrasanna Ramaswamy G deputed OSD to the DC LehSumera Shafi to do the needful for ensuring the suc-cess of this endeavour.

Expressing gratitude to the District Administrationfor extending wholehearted support, Jet Airwaysteam comprising Karma S. Whiting General Manager-Cabin Crew Operations Mumbai, Vikas TyagiManager Human Resources Delhi, and PritamPalamwal Manager Cabin Crew-In Flight Delhiexpressed their intend to carry out such drives infuture also. The visiting team also lauded the role ofStation Manager Jet Airways Leh Nazir Ahmed in car-rying out this recruitment drive.

LEH: The first ever Ladakh PoloFestival commenced here atShagaran, Chuchot Yogma onMonday. The festival has beenorganised by Indus Chuchot PoloClub under the Chuchot VillageWelfare Project was inaugurated byCEC, LAHDC Leh Dr. Sonam Dawa,who was the chief guest on the occa-sion while Nawang Rigzin Jora, MLALeh was the guest of honour. Theevent is being sponsored byOverland Escape, a Leh based TravelCompany.

Dr. Dawa said that this festival is agreat initiative for preserving her-itage sport. He asked the teams towear traditional dresses during the

matches to inspire the generationnext towards this majestic sportingevent.

He applauded the organisers,sponsors and villagers of Chuchot fortheir endeavour in ensuring culturalpreservation and promotion.

He anticipated that soon teamsfrom Ladakh will participate innational polo matches. “This step willsurely help in enhancing tourist foot-fall in Chuchot”, he asserted.

Terming the Polo Festival as agreat public initiative, Jora said thatsoon the polo matches played in thefestival will woo tourists to this vil-lage and the effort will prove fruitfulin tapping tourism besides ensuring

amity and bonhomie among thestakeholders.

Sponsor of the event TundupDorjey, Proprietor, OverlandEscape said that the festival willmark the revival of polo sportsbesides bringing Chuchot on thetourist map in Ladakh by makingthe festival an annual event withfixed dates from 11th to 17th July.“Tourism department has alsogiven Rs. 5 lakh for the event”, heinformed.

Later, Jora inaugurated thearchery match and EC AgricultureTsering Angdus declared open thepolo matches. EC Animal HusbandryMumtaz Hussain was also present.

LEH: Keeping up with the resolveto mitigate problems of people livingat far-off hamlets of Ladakh region,Chief Executive Councillor LAHDC LehDr Sonam Dawa, for the first timeafter assuming his office, visitedSumda and Chenmo Villages in Skyu-Markha constituency on foot and lis-tened to the plight of villagers.Executive Councilor Works LAHDCLeh Dorjey Motup, Block MedicalOfficer Leh Dr. Tashi Namgyal,Executive Engineer Construction,Executive Engineer Irrigation, BlockDevelopment Officer Nimoo andother concerned officers and officialsaccompanied the CEC.

Dr. Dawa while interacting withthe villagers said that the road con-nectivity is the prime issue andassured that he will take up the mat-ter of building roads in the shape of amajor project.

Later, during his visit to the head-works that were completelydestroyed during last summer’s flashflood forcing the farming communityto defer the sowing plans this season,

he gave directions to BDO for carry-ing out restoration of the head-worksby next sowing season and alsodirected Irrigation and RevenueDepartments’ officials to assess thearea which remained un-cultivatedfor the distribution of compensation.

Dr. Dawa asked Councillor SonamNorbu to dispense informationamong farming community aboutcrop insurance benefits underPradhan Mantri Fasal Beema Yojna.

Talking about the irrigational fieldsthat were destroyed during flashfloods of 2010 and 2015, CEC gavedirections to XEn Irrigation to identifythose vulnerable places in order tobuild Bandhs to save the fields fromsuch damages in future.

On the demand of Medical AidCentre, the CEC said that there arecertain terms and conditions forsanctioning such a Centre. “Till thetime these conditions are met villagelevel worker will be given propertraining for minor health issues andwill also be supplied with medicines”,he assured and gave directions toBMO for ensuring visits of a medicalteam once every three months totake care of the health issues of thevillagers. Earlier, the CEC was accord-ed a warm welcome by the CouncillorSkyu-Markha Sonam Norboo.Enroute Sumda–Chenmo in themorning CEC and the team also lis-tened to the grievances and demandsof Ezang village.

First ever Ladakh Polo Festivalcommences at Chochot'WILL GO LONG WAY IN PROMOTING HERITAGE SPORT, RICH CULTURE'

Sonam Dawa visits far-off hamletsof Skyu-Markha Constituency

‘Polite, humble Ladakhis firstchoice of hospitality industry’

KARGIL: MemberParliament Ladakh ThupstanChhewang during his ongoingtour of Kargil District visitedHinaskot, Bodh Kharboo,Wakha, Mulbekh, Lotsum andPashkum villages.

During his tour MP Ladakhheld public congregations atthese villages and took stockof the people's issues andgrievances. The villagersapprised the MP about sev-eral issues like the repair andrenovation of irrigationalkhuls, provision of drinkingwater facilities, installation ofmobile towers, better health-care facilities in hospitals,shortage of staff, provision ofambulances in hospitals, etc.Giving assurance regardingearly redressal of thesegrievances, Thupstan alsoannounced Rs 2.00 lakh forthe repair and renovation ofWakha Irrigation Khul out ofhis MPLAD fund. He alsoannounced to provide fundsfor Namling Thang IrrigationKhul. Responding to the con-cern of the public of Bodh

Kharboo about staff playingtruancy in education, healthand other departments,Thupstan assured strictaction against the defaulters.

Addressing a public gather-ing at Mulbekh Thupstanassured focused attention onevery village besides sufficientfunds. He further said that 21more BSNL towers are beinginstalled at different locationsin the district to improvemobile services.

Later, he called on thePresident Hozia Ilmia AsnaAshriya, Islamia School KargilHujjatul Islam WalMuslameen Sheikh Nazir UlMehdi Mohammadi atIslamia School Campus andhad a detailed discussion onthe development profile ofKargil. On this occasionGeneral Secretary IslamiaSchool Kargil Hujjatul IslamWal Muslameen SheikhIbrahim Khalili, PresidentBJP Kargil Haji GhulamMohamamd Khuddam andexecutive body of BJPKargil.

Thupstan Chhewang visits KargilDistrict, listens to problems of people

ASSURES LAUNCHING OF ROAD

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SRINAGAR: Barring some incidents ofstone-pelting, Kashmir was relativelycalm on Wednesday after four days ofviolence which claimed 34 lives andover which chief minister MehboobaMufti expressed "great sadness andsorrow" and promised a "healingtouch".

Curfew remained in force in someparts of Kashmir, including Pamporeand Kupwara towns, while restrictionson movement of people were imposedin the rest of the valley.

A police spokesman said barring"some incidents" of stone pelting atvarious places, the situation "remainedunder control" in the valley.

The stray and intermittent incidentsof stone pelting were reported fromKhudwani, Kulgam, Iman Sahib, Shopianand Kakpora in south Kashmir, Kralpora,Kupwara, Trehgam, Langate, Lalpora,Putkha Sopore and Main Chowk Soporein north Kashmir, he said.

The death toll rose to 34 in the clash-es between stone pelters and securityforces since the killing of HizbulMujahideen commander Burhan Wanion last Friday.

Reaching out to the people,Mehbooba sought their "support inpulling J&K out of the vortex of vio-lence and bloodshed."

She said she needs people's supportin realising the dream of a politically-emancipated, economically self-reliant

and socially secure Jammu & Kashmir."The 27-year-long violence has left

deep wounds in almost each home hereand we have to jointly safeguard ourstate and our people from furtherbloodshed and destruction," she saidafter paying homage to the martyrs of1931 at the Martyrs graveyard inKhawaja Bazar area of downtownSrinagar.

Commenting on the current unrest,Mehbooba said, "My heart is over-

whelmed with great sadness and sorrowas a result of the killings in the latestspate of violence in Kashmir."

Asserting that "I won't let the peopledown, despite facing a challengingtask", she said, "While my government'simmediate priority would be to reachout to the affected families with a heal-ing touch, in the long run a concertedeffort shall have to be launched tomake peace and stability a reality inJ&K, with youth being the focus of the

government's welfare initiatives."She said July 13, 1931 will always be

remembered as a defining moment inthe history of J&K when the foundationfor democracy and people's rule waslaid in the state.

"Each period of the state's historyhas had its special challenges and thoseconfronting us today are as demandingas any in the past," the chief ministersaid.

Talking to mediapersons, she saidthe biggest tribute to these martyrs of1931 would be to protect J&K's dignityand democracy which became a realityin the state because of their huge sacri-fice.

Urging people not to "play withpeace", the chief minister asked themnot to fall prey to the machinations ofthose elements who want to disturbpeace in the state. "I think the biggesttribute to them would be to protectthat peace and not fall prey to themachinations of those elements whowant to disturb peace here," saidMehbooba who was accompanied bysome of her cabinet colleagues, legisla-tors, party functionaries and top offi-cers of the civil and police administra-tion. According to the latest figuresavailable, most deaths over the lastfour days have taken place in Anantnagdistrict (16) followed by Kulgam (eight),Shopian (five), Pulwama (three),Srinagar and Kupwara (one each).

SrinagarA youth was killed at Harnag in

south Kashmir’s Anantnag districton Wednesday allegedly in firingby government forces, taking thetoll in four-day-long violence inthe Valley to 35.

A local news portal quotingchief medical officer Anantnag, DrFazil Kochak said that the youthwas brought dead to the hospital.Kochak did not take calls from HT.

The youth was identified asBashir Ahmad Dar of Anantnag.

More than 1,300 people havebeen injured in the clashes

between locals and the securitypersonnel, many of them childrenand young men. Activists andlocal residents accuse securityforces of using excessive force toquell protesters but police saythey’re exercising maximumrestraint.

Meanwhile, police arrestedHurriyat Conference chairpersonSyed Ali Geelani on Wednesday ashe stepped out of his Srinagar res-idence to lead a march for payingtributes to 21 people who died ina popular uprising in 1931.

The separatist leader – who is

under indefinite house arrest –condemned the recent clashesbetween tens of thousands ofpeople and security forces follow-ing the killing of top insurgentBurhan Wani.

“Its barbarism by forces at dis-play, it’s clear India only wantsKashmir’s land and wants to sys-tematically kill the populationhere,’’ he said.

Geelani compared Wani tofreedom fighters and said the mil-itant wasn’t a terrorist but a heroto Kashmiris.

“He is a young brave soldier

who laid down his life for his peo-ple and their dignity. He is a herolike those young men who foughtthe British forces,’’ Geelani said.

The separatist leader asked theJammu and Kashmir police to stopusing excessive force. ``You arekilling your own’’, he said.

He, however, asked people notto harm police personnel and theirfamilies.

“It’s against the tenets ofIslam,’’ he said. A local newspaperhad reported a policeman’s wifeand daughter were beaten up bymob at Awantiopora in south

Kashmir.Geelani had called for a march

to the historic Naqshband Shahibshrine to commemorate thedeaths of 21 Kashmiris who died85 years ago in an uprising againstthe then ruling Dogra dynasty.

In their memory, July 13 isobserved as Martyr’s Day inKashmir and continues to be a ral-lying point for political parties.

35 DEAD IN KASHMIR VIOLENCE,Syed Geelani detained in Srinagar

Kashmir relatively peaceful, Mehbooba talks of 'healing touch'

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Religious festivity, zeal...considered as second Buddha in

Buddhist religion. He briefly informed abouthow Padmasambhava was born out of Lotusflower in the eighth century and alsoemphasized to popularize this traditionalfestival with mass participation to payrespect to the great Padmasambhava.

The festival duration is marked as a localholiday as it involves the entire city includingtourists in large numbers.

GoC, 14 Corps Lt. General S.K Patyal,Ladakh Affairs Minister Chering DorjeLakrook, LAHDC CEC Dr.Sonam DawaLonpo, Executive Councillors, Councillors,MLA Nawang Rigzin Jora, former CEC RigzinSpalbar, District officers and large number ofIndian and foreign tourists were also pres-ent.

The proceedings were skillfully managedby District Police, CRPF personnel, Monksand YDA volunteers.

Education Deptt, Cultural...preserved and protected to save the cul-

ture”, he added. Mentioning about importance of tradi-

tions, culture and dresses, Cultural AcademyOfficer Tsewang Paljor said that traditionaldress ‘Kos’ has its own special significance

and one who wear Kos maintains a moralethics by avoiding wrongdoings. He alsohighlighted initiatives of Cultural Academyto revive culture which include impartingtraining in traditional music Daman andSurna, folk songs, seminars, etc.

Padmashree Morup thoroughlydescribed about folk music and culture andits significance and he assured to continuehis support in future to deliver lectures inschools.

Earlier, welcoming the guests, ClusterResource Head Tsetan Angchok said thatsuch events aimed at creating interestamong children about language, culture andtraditional dance.

Councillors Lower Leh P. WangdanShunu, Upper Leh Venerable LobzangNyantak and Phyang Phunchok Dorjay, andDistrict Education Planning Officer KunzesDolma were also present. Later, winnerschools and teachers were felicitated in vari-ous categories. Middle School Kharnaklingwas adjudged as best dressed school,Middle School Saboo Ayu for best folkdance performance, High School HousingColony for best modern dance performance,M/s Saboo as best exhibition display, M/sTashi Thongsnon in Folk song category andteacher Rinchen Angmo as best speaker inlocal language besides M/s Tashi GatsalChoglamsar and Primary School Saboo Phufetch consolation prizes.

From the page one...

4 Glimpses ofCultural festivalheld at ClusterResourceCentre HousingColony.

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His Eminence Drukpa Thuksey Rinpochey performing “Riow Sangcho” prayer at Khardongla Top. Photo by Paldan Ursi

Glimpses of Hemis Monastery Annual festival popularly known as Hemis Tseschu.