Women urged to lead in Ladakh’s Progress and Heritage
New Delhi, Oct 13: President Droupadi Murmu lauded the people of Ladakh for their resilience, simplicity, and strong sense of community, calling these qualities “the very essence of India’s cultural and moral fabric.” She made these remarks during a warm and engaging interaction with a delegation of women and elders from Ladakh at Rashtrapati Bhavan, highlighting the region’s unique place in India’s identity due to its strategic significance, environmental richness, and vibrant cultural diversity.
The delegation, visiting the national capital as part of a National Integration Tour, engaged with the President to strengthen national unity, promote cultural exchange, and gain firsthand experience of India’s democratic institutions and heritage.
During the interaction, President Murmu emphasized the crucial role of women’s empowerment and active community participation in the development of Ladakh. She encouraged women to contribute meaningfully in areas such as education, environmental conservation, and the preservation of traditional livelihoods, underlining the importance of balancing cultural heritage with modern progress.
The elders accompanying the delegation shared insights into life in Ladakh’s high-altitude terrain, detailing traditional knowledge, sustainable living practices, and the challenges posed by contemporary changes. President Murmu commended their efforts in safeguarding indigenous wisdom and transmitting values of harmony, self-reliance, and community cohesion to younger generations.
Welcoming the delegation, the President highlighted Ladakh’s strategic importance, ecological richness, and cultural diversity, noting that these aspects give the region a special place in India’s national identity. She stressed that the active involvement of women and the community is vital not only for Ladakh’s development but also for strengthening social cohesion and preserving the region’s unique way of life.
Before concluding, President Murmu conveyed her best wishes to the group, urging them to serve as ambassadors of peace, unity, and progress upon their return to Ladakh. She expressed hope that such visits would continue to build bridges of understanding and reinforce the emotional and cultural bonds between Ladakh and the rest of India.
