The seven-day Press Tour to Ladakh, organized by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) Guwahati, concluded successfully, providing an enriching exposure to a delegation of 13 journalists from prominent media houses across Assam. The tour, which commenced on 28th July 2025 and culminated on 3^rd August, aimed to showcase Ladakh’s development journey, strategic significance, cultural richness and traditional knowledge systems.

The delegation, accompanied by PIB Guwahati officials, visited several key institutions and installations across Ladakh. A major highlight was the visit to the Indian Astronomical Observatory and the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, where the journalists witnessed India’s advancements in astronomical research and the efforts to preserve light pollution-free environments. During this leg of the visit, the delegation also explored Anlay Community Radio Station, which serves as the only source of news and information to a population of around 800 villagers in and around a 10 km radius. 

At Leh, the journalists explored the ancient Tibetan system of medicine at the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa, under Ministry of Ayush that promotes and integrates traditional healing practices. The delegation received insights into herbal medicine formulation, research activities, and the growing international relevance of Sowa-Rigpa.

Another major stop was Project HIMANK, operated by the Border Roads Organization (BRO), where the delegation was briefed on infrastructure development efforts in some of the world’s highest and most challenging terrains. The engineering feats of HIMANK were presented as critical for national security, connectivity, and regional development. The tour also featured an engaging session at the Defense Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR) under DRDO, where pioneering research in high-altitude agriculture, cold-region survival techniques and innovations benefiting both the armed forces and local farmers was showcased.

Additionally, the journalists were introduced to Project Tsangda, Ladakh’s innovative solid waste management initiative and visited local cooperatives engaged in the production of pashmina wool and apricots. The team interacted with officials and members of the All Changthang Pashmina Growers Cooperative Marketing Society, which plays a vital role in empowering local nomadic communities by supporting sustainable pashmina production and ensuring better market access for their premium wool. Journalists were able to observe the meticulous process involved in pashmina fiber collection and its transformation into high-quality garments that have made Ladakh’s pashmina renowned worldwide. The delegation also visited an organic apricot farm, where they learned about the cultivation and seasonal harvesting of this vital fruit, often referred to as Ladakh’s ‘golden crop.’ Farmers explained how apricot farming, drying and value-added processing have opened new avenues for rural income, women’s involvement in agri-business and export potential under GI tagging efforts.

A key moment of the tour was a courtesy call on the Chief Secretary of Ladakh, during which the journalists were briefed about the Union Territory’s development priorities, administrative challenges and opportunities for media engagement. Further, the team interacted with officials of the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Ladakh UT, as well as with members of the Leh Press Club, promoting journalistic exchange, local collaboration and cross-regional dialogue. The media team also explored some tourist spots such as Leh Palace, Pangong Tso, Indus-Zanskar Sangam, Magnetic Hill, Chumathang Hot Springs, Rezang La War Memorial etc. in between the other formal engagements.

 

 

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Pavni Gupta/Smita Saikia

(रिलीज़ आईडी: 2152621) आगंतुक पटल : 61