Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 01 November 2023
On the occasion of Ladakh’s Foundation Day, a 6-member delegation comprising students from schools and colleges in the Union Territory of Ladakh, led by Ms. Rinchen Dolkar, called on Admiral D K Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Vice-Chairman of the Islands Development Agency. This momentous meeting took place on October 31, 2023, at the Raj Niwas.
The Ladakhi delegation’s visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is part of the ‘Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat’ initiative, specifically the “Ladakh to Nicobar – National Integration” program, aimed at showcasing Ladakh’s rich cultural heritage and fostering stronger ties between Ladakh and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
During the meeting, the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor extended his warmest wishes on the Foundation Day of Ladakh. He emphasised the significance of upholding shared values of brotherhood, unity, and diversity as a means of connecting people across diverse regions of India.
The Ladakh delegation’s visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which extends from October 29 to November 5, 2023, is centered around promoting cultural bonds and people-to-people ties. Additionally, it marks a significant step towards the proposal for mutual reservation of seats in respective higher educational institutions on a reciprocity basis in each other’s Union Territories, thus contributing to the national integration initiative.
On October 31, 2023, the delegates paid a solemn visit to the National Memorial Cellular Jail, where they paid their respects to the freedom fighters who made great sacrifices for the country. The Ladakhi students also interacted with their counterparts from various schools and colleges, engaging in cultural exchange programs to better understand each other’s traditions and heritage.
In the days ahead, the visiting delegation is scheduled to explore important tourism destinations in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, such as Swaraj Dweep, Baratang, and various museums. The purpose of these visits is to explore the tourism potential of the region and share best practices in education, sports, and tourism.
This cultural exchange and visit hold the promise of fostering a stronger bond between Ladakh and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, celebrating the rich diversity of India and promoting national unity and integration.