kargil (The stellar news), World Heritage Day was celebrated in Ladakh at Qadeemi Khankha in Goma Kargil on 18 April, 2022. A programme was organised by Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation in collaboration with Al Itihad Youth Federation Goma Kargil under the supervision of Cultural Activist and Journalist, Anayat Ali Shotopa. Chief Engineer of Project VIJAYAK, Brig. Ashish Ghambir was the Chief Guest and Mohd Ali (Lamboo) Ward Member in Municipal Committee, Kargil was the Guest of Honour for the programme to mark World Heritage Day.
During the programme, historian and writer, Mohammad Sadiq Hardassi spoke about the history of Khankhas and their importance in cultural, social and historical legacy of Gilgit-Baltistan and Ladakh. His talk was followed by a talk by historian and writer, Raza Amjad Budgami who spoke about the importance of heritage and its preservation for future generations. This was followed by speeches by student of Government Council Model High School in Goma Kargil, Atif Khan and student from Government Model High School, Lankore, Nasir Hussain. These young boys highlighted the importance of heritage and the need to understand and preserve them.
Brig. Ashsih Ghambir appreciated the efforts of the organisers, especially Anayat Ali Shotopa. He said, “The observation of such days teaches us the importance of the past and the need to conserve traditional knowledge and heritage. I am proud to be part of Border Road Organisation, which is connecting heritage sites across different parts of the country. The national highway network is part of this heritage as it connects different cultural hubs. I appreciate the people of Goma Kargil for preserving this ancient Khankha, which is an important heritage site. I urge the youth of Ladakh to carry forward this legacy and actively participate in the preservation of such sites across the region.:
Organising Secretary, Anayat Ali Shotopa said that an event to mark World Heritage Day was organised for the first time in Kargil at a place of such historical significance. He said, “According to oral history, the Goma Kargil Khankha was built along with the Baroo Khankha in the 16th or 17th Century. People from remote parts of Kargil and other parts of Ladakh and Gilgit-Baltistan would come to this Khankha on pilgrimage. The Khankha was the centre of Kargil town as people would gather in it every year to decide various rules for the rest of the year. Even today, a member of each household from Chanchik Soo to Shilikchey Dukmo is present for festivities to mark Eid-e-Qurban. This includes villages such as Chanchik, Thakskanroung Tanmosa, Lankore, Yokchoks and Goma Kargil.” He urged Administration of UT of Ladakh to establish an office of Archives and Antiquities in Kargil District to protect heritage sites in the district.
Social Activist, Abass Ali Khan thanked Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation and its founding Secretary, Dr Sonam Wangchok for organising the event in Goma Kargil and requested him to organise more such events in the future. The event ended with a guided visit of Khankha Goma Kargil. Brig. Ghambir then visited the under-construction library, which is the first project undertaken by Al Itihad Youth Federation Goma Kargil. He expressed his appreciation of the noble work being done the youth and assured them his personal and professional support. Organising Secretary of Al Itihad Youth Federation Goma Kargil, Jabir Hussain thanked Brig. Ghambir and the other guests for their time and requested everyone to support their efforts by donating books to the library, especially ones related to competitive examinations.
