The 80th Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour and gaiety across Ladakh union territory. In Leh district, the main function was held at the historic Pologround where the Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena hoisted the National Flag, inspected the parade and saluted the marching contingents, including the Armed forces and school students, which took part in the march past during the event.
Addressing the gathering, Saxena paid tribute to the freedom fighters whose sacrifices secured India’s Independence and laid the foundation of its democratic journey.
He also saluted personnel of the Armed Forces, paramilitary forces, Ladakh Scouts, police and the Border Roads Organisation guarding the country’s borders in Ladakh’s challenging terrain and harsh climate.
The LG highlighted the creation of Ladakh as a separate Union Territory in 2019 as a significant milestone in its development journey. He said the administration, with the support of the Centre, has focused on strengthening infrastructure, governance, healthcare, education, tourism, renewable energy, agriculture, water security, connectivity and social welfare.
Saxena said five new districts — Sham, Nubra, Changthang, Zanskar and Drass — along with 17 new tehsils and 16 new engineering divisions, have brought administration and public services closer to the people. He also highlighted the ongoing process of establishing Hill Councils in all seven districts to strengthen grassroots democracy. On tourism and connectivity, the LG said Ladakh had received more than 3.30 lakh tourists by the end of July this year, nearly 98 per cent of the total tourist arrivals recorded during the whole of 2025.
He said Ladakh’s road network has expanded from 1,799 km before the formation of the UT to more than 4,200 km, while the number of bridges has increased from 19 to 72. Projects such as the Zojila Tunnel and Leh Bypass, he said, are further strengthening all-weather connectivity. Emphasising sustainable development, Saxena highlighted initiatives including Project Him Sarovar, Himalayan rock check dams, the Indus River Green Corridor, expansion of tap-water coverage, renewable energy projects and geothermal wells at Puga.
He also underlined efforts to strengthen the Pashmina sector, including the Ladakh Pashmina Development Board, incentives for more than 1,200 pashmina producers and an `8 crore revolving fund to ensure timely payments.
The LG expressed gratitude to farmers, Changpa herders, teachers, doctors, nurses, health workers, engineers and citizens for their contribution to Ladakh’s development. He urged the youth to acquire knowledge, embrace innovation and make use of emerging opportunities.
Stressing the need to balance development with environmental protection, Saxena said future generations must inherit a Ladakh that is prosperous, peaceful, vibrant and ecologically sustainable.
He expressed confidence that Ladakh would continue to contribute to the national goal of “Viksit Bharat @2047” with the support of the Centre. The march past featured contingents from the CRPF, RAF, ITBP, CISF, Ladakh Police, Ladakh Police Commando and ex-servicemen, besides NCC cadets from the first and second Ladakh Battalions. Students from schools across Leh, Kargil, Drass, Nubra, Sham, Changthang and Zanskar also participated. A demonstration by the Ladakh Police K-9 Squad and a performance by the Ladakh Police Women Pipe Band were among the highlights. Cultural performances were presented by the Ladakh Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, as well as schools and educational institutions from across the Union Territory. Lieutenant Governor’s Appreciation Certificates were also conferred on officials and organisations for exemplary work. The family of late Col Sonam Wangchuk (Retd.) received the dPal rNgam Duston Lifetime Achievement Award, while His Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa was conferred the dPal rNgam Duston Award 2026.
Meanwhile, in Kargil the Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, hoisted the National Flag at Khree Sultan Chow Sports Stadium, Biamathang, Kargil, and took the salute at the march past as the nation marked its 80th Independence Day.
The celebration witnessed enthusiastic participation from contingents of Ladakh Police, the Police Band Party, NCC Cadets, and students from various government and private schools. Prominent dignitaries in attendance included Executive Councillors Aga Syed Mujtaba and Aga Syed Ali; Deputy Commissioner and CEO LAHDC Kargil, Rakesh Kumar; Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kargil, Nitin Yadav; Directors of FCS&CA, ULB, Tourism and Education; Additional Deputy Commissioner Kargil; ACR Kargil; senior district officers, representatives of religious organisations, and members of the public.
On the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon extended warm greetings to the people of Kargil and the nation and paid rich tributes to the freedom fighters and national leaders whose sacrifices paved the way for India’s independence.
CEC Kargil said that August 15 is not merely a day of celebration but also an occasion to reaffirm the country’s commitment towards national unity, integrity, peace and development.
He said the sacrifices of the freedom fighters and national leaders continue to inspire the nation, and called upon everyone to work collectively for the progress and prosperity of the country. CEC Kargil said that Kargil is not merely a border district but a land where people from different parts of the country live together in harmony. He said Kargil has always been a symbol of the country’s security and sacrifice, with its brave soldiers guarding the nation’s borders. He paid tribute to the armed forces and said that the younger generation must continue to uphold the spirit of patriotism and national service. Highlighting the importance of development, CEC Kargil said that the administration and the Hill Council are working to make Kargil a developed and self-reliant district by 2047. He said a strong foundation in the education sector is essential for achieving this goal and that the Council has prepared a Kargil District Vision 2047 Vision Document covering various measures for improving the quality of education.
About The Author
