KARGIL: Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon on Tuesday launched Stories from a Kargili Kitchen, a publication documenting Kargil’s traditional food heritage, and called for wider dissemination of the book to preserve the region’s culinary and cultural legacy.
The book launch, organised by Roots Ladakh, highlighted efforts to document traditional food practices, indigenous ingredients and culinary knowledge passed down through generations in Kargil.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Akhoon commended the authors and the Roots Ladakh team for undertaking what he described as an important cultural documentation initiative. He said the preservation of traditional food systems and organic farming practices is closely linked to safeguarding Kargil’s cultural identity and strengthening heritage-based tourism in the region.
The CEC assured support for making the publication available in educational institutions and expressed confidence that such initiatives would contribute to broader recognition of Kargil’s cultural wealth.
Earlier, Roots Ladakh founder Muzammil outlined the journey behind the book, describing it as an effort to revive and record traditional food knowledge that is gradually disappearing. Co-author and anthropologist Neha Nair said the publication seeks to present Kargil through its cultural and social traditions, while co-author Yash Saxena highlighted concerns over the decline of indigenous food practices.
Writer Reza Amjad Badgami underscored the historical significance of buckwheat in local food culture and literature.
Member of Parliament Haji Haneefa Jan congratulated the authors and encouraged young people to actively participate in preserving Ladakh’s cultural heritage.
Deputy Commissioner Kargil Rakesh Kumar, SSP Kargil Nitin Yadav, Brigadier Joshi, former CECs Kacho Ahmed Khan and Feroza Ahmed Khan, along with other dignitaries, attended the event, which concluded with the felicitation of contributors and participants.
