JAMMU: Aimed at celebrating the rich cultural heritage, entrepreneurial spirit and collective identity of the region, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta Friday inaugurated the three-day Third Edition of Mahotsav – Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, a flagship annual initiative of LEAD (LJK – Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir Economic Growth and Development Dialogue).
Mahotsav–Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh is a vibrant platform deeply rooted in the ideals of Swadeshi, self-reliance (Swavlamban) and cultural heritage (Sanskriti).
The event brings together artisans, performers, entrepreneurs and community groups to showcase local products, traditional knowledge, handicrafts, folk arts and innovation from across Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir. The previous editions held in 2023 and 2024 received an overwhelming public response and wide appreciation.
On the occasion, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, and noted film personality Preeti Sapru Walia were the Guests of Honour.
Also present on the occasion were DIG Jammu–Kathua Range Shiv Kumar Sharma, Harinder Gupta (Convener, LEAD), and LEAD members Sunil Shah, Surinder Mohan Gupta, Rajesh Gupta, Rajeev Gupta and Sanjeev Sharma, along with artists, youth, students, entrepreneurs and citizens from across the region.
Addressing the gathering, Lt Governor Kavinder Gupta, who was the chief guest, said that LEAD is not merely an event or a dialogue, but a strong movement towards a self-reliant future, reflecting the shared culture, aspirations and identity of Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir. He said the Mahotsav provides a common platform for promoting local heritage, youth talent and entrepreneurship, while strengthening cultural unity and social harmony.
Highlighting the significance of the 2025 edition, the Lt Governor said this is the first time the Mahotsav is being organised as a three-day event, with each day dedicated respectively to Ladakh, Kashmir and Jammu, offering a unique opportunity to understand the region’s diversity and foster deeper people-to-people connect.
He informed that the central theme of this year’s Mahotsav is “Panch Parivartan”, encompassing self-awareness, citizen duty, environmental protection, social harmony and family values, which together form the foundation of holistic and sustainable development.
Speaking on Ladakh’s development journey, the Lt Governor said the Union Territory is receiving special focus from Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, with unprecedented commitment towards people-centric and transformative development.
He highlighted major clean energy initiatives including ONGC’s 1 MW geothermal project at Puga, SECI’s 11 GW solar project at Pang, and the recent inauguration of Ladakh’s first geothermal-based space heating system at the Primary Health Centre, Thiksey, calling them historic steps towards making Ladakh a carbon-neutral and energy self-reliant region.
Gupta also spoke about efforts to promote winter tourism, strengthen infrastructure and connectivity in remote and border areas, aimed at creating opportunities for youth and positioning Ladakh on national and international platforms.
The Lieutenant Governor said that Ladakh is firmly on the path of accelerated and inclusive development under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He observed that the Prime Minister’s clear vision, strong political will and deep commitment to border and high-altitude regions have brought Ladakh into sharp national focus.
Despite its harsh climate and challenging geography, Ladakh is witnessing unprecedented transformation across sectors such as infrastructure, clean energy, connectivity, health, tourism and livelihoods.
Flagship initiatives and people-centric policies of the Central Government are being implemented with speed and sensitivity to ensure that the benefits of development reach even the remotest villages and border areas, he added.
Kavinder Gupta said that historic investments in renewable energy, road connectivity and social infrastructure are positioning Ladakh as a national model for sustainable and resilient development. He added that the Prime Minister’s emphasis on self-reliance, environmental protection and local empowerment is shaping Ladakh’s future, enabling the Union Territory to emerge as a strong, confident and forward-looking region contributing meaningfully to India’s growth story.
The Lt Governor appreciated the cultural performances, exhibitions of local products and the participation of artists, particularly those who travelled from Ladakh, for adding authenticity and vibrancy to the Mahotsav.
He congratulated LEAD, organisers, artists and volunteers for their efforts in promoting cultural preservation, local livelihoods and self-reliance.
Concluding his address, Kavinder Gupta extended an invitation to citizens across the country to visit Ladakh and experience its natural beauty, resilient communities, rich culture and innovative development initiatives, expressing confidence that the Mahotsav would further strengthen cultural unity and the vision of a self-reliant India.
