 Early Times Report
KARGIL, Nov 20: The Government of India, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is giving utmost priority to the development of border areas, the preservation of Ladakh's cultural heritage, and the strengthening of India's strategic frontiers.
This was stated by the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, while addressing the people after inaugurating the Darchik Cultural Centre, a landmark facility established under the Indian Army's Operation Sadbhavana initiative.
The ceremony was graced by Maj Gen Dinesh Kumar Singh, SM, VSM, Chief of Staff 14 Corps; Maj Gen K. Mahesh, SM, VSM, GOC 8 Mountain Division; Brig Satyakam Dabas, VSM, BGS (Int), Headquarters 14 Corps; Brig Dev Panwar, Commander 192 Mountain Brigade; Deputy Commissioner Kargil Rakesh Kumar; SSP Kargil Nitin Yadav; Col D. S. Tanwar, Deputy Commander 192 Mountain Brigade; Lt Col Harsh Sharma, Education Officer 192 Mountain Brigade; Brig Virendra Singh Salaria, SC, SM, Commander 102 (1) Infantry Brigade; Col A. K. Maletha, Commanding Officer 21 GARH RIF; Maj Rakesh Kumar, Second-in-Command 21 GARH RIF; and Maj Manoj Singh.
Addressing the gathering, the Lt Governor said that the Darchik Cultural Centre is "not just an infrastructure project, but a powerful symbol of India's commitment to protecting and promoting the unique heritage of the Dard Aryan community." He noted that the initiative reflects the Central Government's broader vision of empowering border populations, strengthening grassroots cultural identity and creating sustainable opportunities for local youth.
The Lt Governor further stated that under the guidance of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the morale and operational readiness of India's armed forces has been significantly strengthened, enabling them to serve with exceptional confidence even in difficult terrain. This stability, he said, has directly contributed to the peaceful environment required for developmental projects like the Darchik Cultural Centre to flourish.
Kavinder Gupta also praised the Indian Army for continuously supporting community welfare alongside maintaining security in this culturally rich and strategically sensitive region. He recalled several goodwill projects-such as the Indus View Point in Batalik, Captain Manoj Pandey (PVC) Stadium in Garkone, and the Kalubar War Memorial-as enduring examples of the Army's dedication to the people of Aryan Valley.
The Lt Governor also outlined the broader developmental vision of the UT Administration. "We are committed to strengthening infrastructure, ensuring availability of skilled manpower, and creating conducive environments for new businesses and tourism activities," he said. He noted the Government of India's focus on leveraging Ladakh's cultural and tourism potential, particularly in historically significant areas like Kargil.
The Lt Governor highlighted that the Aryan Valley holds global importance due to its ancient ethnic lineage, distinctive traditions and rare cultural expressions. The new Cultural Centre, he said, will become a dynamic platform for preserving traditional music, dance, attire, language and folklore, while also encouraging cultural tourism that can boost the local economy and create new livelihood avenues.
Calling upon the community to utilise the centre as a "living cultural space," he asked stakeholders to organise workshops, cultural festivals, youth training sessions and research collaborations that can elevate Aryan heritage to national and international platforms. |
