Governor Satya Pal Malik inaugurated the grand celebration of day-long Sindhu Darshan Festival at Sindhu Ghat, Shey Smanla, in Leh today.
Highlighting the importance of rivers throughout the world andtheir contribution in development of great civilisations, Governor noted thatit should be our primary concern to save our rivers for the future generations.
Mentioning that an initiative was taken by the then UnionMinister L.K. Advani who started ‘Sindu Darshan’ with an objective to signifyrole of river Sindhu in shaping culture of this region, he underlined the needfor making this event a 3 to 4 days ‘Sindhu Mela’. He said that this ‘Mela’would give opportunity to people from all over the world to experience richculture of Ladakh.
Governor noted that river Sindhu has remained cradle of manycivilizations since time immemorial. Citing a book on Maharaja Ranjeet Singh,he said that Sindhu has also been a reason to avert many wars due to its fierceflow for months together. He added that India has got its name from Sindhu andour ancient history is rooted in the Indus civilization. He stressed on theneed to repay by honouring the river.
Governor praised people of Ladakh for their honesty,hospitality, humbleness and peaceful nature. He said that there is great scopeto learn such virtues from Ladakh. He expressed his commitment to fulfil thedevelopmental aspirations of Ladakh and observed that recently createdadministrative Division and Cluster University for Ladakh, airport for Kargilare few steps in this direction. He assured balanced development of Leh, Kargiland Zanskar. He also said that the Divisional offices will be established inLeh and Kargil without any discrimination and on need basis.
Rigzin Sampheal, Secretary Tourism, in his speechhighlighted various initiatives taken for giving boost to the tourism sector inLadakh.
Avny Lavasa, Deputy Commissioner Leh gave Vote of Thanks andexpressed gratitude to Governor for gracing the occasion with his presence.Among others present on the occasion were Gyal P. Wangyal, Dy.Chairman, LAHDC, Leh; Chering Dorjey, MLC; Saugat Biswas DivisionalCommissioner Ladakh; Maj. Gen. Arvind Kapoor, Chief of Staff, 14 Corps;Councillors of LAHDC, Leh; heads of religious, social and politicalorganizations.