150th anniversary of India's first war of independence celebrated in Leh

Leh (Ladakh), Oct.19 : To commemorate the 150th anniversary of India's first war of Independence, popularly known as the Sepoy Mutiny, a two-day multi-lingual folk dance and music programme was held here.

Organised by the Sangeet Natak Academy, New Delhi in collaboration with J and K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, the special programme was intended to promote nationalism and oneness among the people of different parts of the State.

Jammu and Kashmir Governor N.N. Vohra inaugurated the multilingual folk dance and music programme on Friday, which was held here under the banner of 'Dhanak'.

Vohra appreciated the fact that Ladakh had made good progress in last 20 years and said that a lot more things need to be achieved.

"Leh town and Ladakh region must put on a proper pedestal and footing to see that it would become one of the fore most tourist attractions in the world," Vohra said.

"If we (start) are only thinking about our own region and not of the State, rest of the country and the neighbouring countries, the history, culture, languages and every thing will get lost," said Governor Vohra at the function.

Vohra reminded everyone that Ladakh holds tremendous potential and excellent atmosphere to promote winter sports as such. He said that there was a need for creation of suitable and latest infrastructures for winter games.

"Alongside, hotel and residential accommodation, roads, transport system and places for entertainment and relaxation also need to be developed," Vohra added.

Tsering Dorjey, Chief Executive Councillor, Ladakh Autonomous Hills District Council, Leh, on the occasion, said: " We all know that right now Leh is not having good infrastructure. But yet organising such an event is an achievement for us. Secondly, we also hope that condition of Ladakh going to be much better in the near future."

Other distinguished guests included the Executive Councillors of LAHDC - Norbu Lampa, Dorje Motup, Stanzin Delik and Mohammed Khan and the Executive Councillor of Kargil, Tashi Phuntsog and Deputy Commissioner of Ladakh, Ajeet Kumar Sahu and others.

But the highlight of this programme was a mega music concert held at the Leh Polo-ground on the second day (October 18).

A large number of artists from different parts of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh participated in the music programme. By Jigmet Vangchuk

ANI