GDC Nubra hosts Silk Route Colloquium Lecture

Expert calls for systematic approach to Heritage conservation in Ladakh

NUBRA: Ladakh needs a comprehensive framework for protecting its tangible and intangible heritage from deterioration and loss, Dr Sonam Wangchuk of the Himalayan Culture and Heritage Foundation said during a lecture at Government Degree College, Nubra, on Thursday.

Wangchuk was speaking at the sixth lecture of the college’s “Silk Route Colloquium: A Thursday Discourse”, held on the theme “Heritage Conservation and Challenges in Himalaya.”

Addressing students and participants, Wangchuk discussed the challenges facing heritage preservation across Ladakh and the wider Himalayan region. He broadly categorised heritage into tangible and intangible forms and stressed the need to preserve both to maintain the cultural identity and historical continuity of Himalayan communities.

He highlighted several forms of Ladakhi heritage that are facing the threat of extinction and drew on his experience of conservation initiatives that have helped revive and safeguard aspects of the region’s heritage through community participation.

Wangchuk said local communities, as custodians and bearers of cultural heritage, must remain central to conservation efforts. He also called for a structured culture and heritage conservation model or guidelines for Ladakh to provide a systematic approach to preservation.

An interactive question-and-answer session followed the lecture, with participants raising issues related to cultural preservation, community participation, heritage and tourism, and challenges confronting Ladakh.

The programme began with an introductory address by Dr Tashi Lundup, Convener, followed by a welcome address from Principal Ringzin Sandup. Assistant Professor Jigmet Sangyas delivered the vote of thanks.