Early Times Report
Jammu, Apr 19: World Heritage Day was observed by the Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation (HCHF) in collaboration with the Community of Tukla Village, Changthang on Sunday, 18th April 2021. HCHF has been celebrating this day every year since 2010.
The organization has tried to deliver a significant message through this celebration, each year. Keeping up with the theme of World Heritage Day 2021 i.e. Complex Pasts: Diverse Futures, HCHF initiated a Stupa Restoration Project, under which the organization aims to restore ten stupas across Ladakh till October 2021.
Thupstan Chhewang (President, Ladakh Buddhist Association) attended the event as the chief guest on the occasion. Khamtak Rinpoche Jigme Nawang Namgyal blessed the day with their gracious presence. Also, Ven. Shatup Chamba (President, Ladakh Gompa Association), and Thinles Nurboo (Counsellor, LAHDC Leh) also graced the event with presence.
The day began with the Deconsecration Ceremony of the Kagan Chorten, an ancient stupa that once marked the entrance to Tukla Village.
The stupa has been in a depleting condition and requires urgent attention. HCHF and the village community of Tukla Village decided to observe this World Heritage Day with the restoration of this ancient stupa.
Following the Deconsecration Ceremony, Sonam Wangchok (Founder/Secretary HCHF) explained the significance of observing the World Heritage Day. He also threw light on the theme of World Heritage Day 2021 i.e. Complex Pasts: Diverse Futures. He stressed upon the importance of Heritage education and conducting awareness programmes to educate the people, especially the youth for different values of culture and heritage.
All the dignitaries present shared their views and enlightened the attendees on the importance of the conservation of local Heritage.
Thupstan Chhewang (President, Ladakh Buddhist Association) focused on the importance of village communities to realize the importance of culture, heritage, language and the traditional way of agricultural activities for sustainable development.
Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation (HCHF) is a community-based, non-government organization, devoted to promote and conserve Himalayan indigenous, natural and historic heritage by working directly with the different mountain communities and strengthening and supporting community based institutions. More than anything the foundation lay great stress on trainings and workshops that ensures more practical and beneficial outcomes both in terms of learning and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Himalaya.
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