*Attends Losar celebrations
Excelsior Correspondent
Jammu, Dec 30: Governor Satya Pal Malik attended Losar celebrations at Abhinav Theatre here today.
The function was organized by All Ladakh Students Association Jammu (ALSAJ) to celebrate the festival.
Highlighting the significance of Losar, Governor observed Losar is the most significant socio-religious event of Ladakh region which is marked by ancient rituals, music, folk dance, and other performing arts. He noted that Losar symbolizes throwing away of the evils and marks bidding farewell to the bygons and welcoming the new one.
Extending Losar greetings on the occasion, Governor emphasized upon the Ladakh students community to strive for achieving quality education and serve the society by working for peace, love, compassion which is fundamental to celebration of Losar.
Highlighting the rich heritage and diversity of Ladakh, Governor termed Ladakh a land where peace prevails. He noted that Ladakh is the home to people of different religions and we should work to strengthen the diversity which helps in flourishing the region.
Governor announced that a Nodal Officer would be appointed to ensure welfare, safety and security of clusters of Ladakhi students studying out side the State. He noted that other demands of the ALSAJ would be sympathically considered and examined.
Lauding the efforts of ALSAJ for organizing the function to celebrate the festival away from home, the Governor also appreciated the participants of the cultural programmes presented on the occasion featuring folk dance and music of Ladakh region.
In his welcome address, the President of ALSAJ on behalf of Ladakhi students and whole population of Ladakh expressed gratitude for according sanction to establish Cluster University in Leh. He also projected a charter of demands which includes opening of full-fledge University, establishment of professional colleges, establishment of Sub-Centres of JKSSB/ JKPSC for examination purpose, construction of boys hostel for students of Leh at Jammu and enhancing intake capacity of girls hostel at Muthi.
Among others, Revered Lamas; Umang Narula, Principal Secretary to Governor; Sanjeev Verma, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu; Rigzin Sampheal, Secretary Tourism; Chering Dorjey former Minister; former Chief Secretary and Chairman, Public Enterprises Selection Board, Government of India, C. Phunsog; Chewang Norphel, glacier man of Ladakh; besides a large number of students were present on the occasion.