Kargil, June 8: The Purig Cultural and Literary Society (PCLS) Kargil celebrated its annual cultural festival, Mendoq rGyaspa – Purig Pi Zbyardus, with a series of literary and cultural programmes highlighting the rich heritage of the Purig region.
Organised in collaboration with the Ladakh Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (LAACL), the event brought together poets, writers, artists and cultural enthusiasts at the Amphitheatre of the Tourist Facilitation Centre, Kargil.
Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC Kargil, Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, attended the inaugural session as chief guest. The programme featured traditional poetry recitations, folk songs, riddles and a documentary showcasing the history and culture of Purig.
A major highlight of the event was the formal launch of the Purgi script by Member of Parliament Haji Hanifa Jan in the presence of District Magistrate Rakesh Kumar and noted writer Kacho Isfandyar Khan Faridun. The initiative follows the recognition of Purgi as one of the official languages of Ladakh.
PCLS also instituted the first KSK Memorial Literary Award in memory of noted historian Late Kacho Sikander Khan Sikander. The inaugural award was conferred posthumously on Late Syed Hussain Mosavi Umba for his contribution to the promotion of Purgi language and literature.
Addressing the gathering, MP Hanifa Jan congratulated PCLS on its efforts to secure official language status for Purgi and assured support for introducing the language in schools and strengthening literary activities.
The festival concluded with colourful cultural performances, recognition of local artists and a renewed commitment to preserving the linguistic and cultural identity of Purig.
