Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, inaugurated the Darchik Cultural Centre—a landmark facility established under the Indian Army’s Operation Sadbhavana—on November 20.

Addressing the gathering, the Lt Governor said the Darchik Cultural Centre is “not just an infrastructure project, but a powerful symbol of India’s commitment to protecting and promoting the unique heritage of the Dard Aryan community.”

He noted that the initiative aligns with the Central Government’s wider vision of empowering border populations, strengthening grassroots cultural identity, and creating sustainable opportunities for local youth.

The Lt Governor emphasised that under the leadership of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the morale and operational readiness of India’s armed forces have been significantly bolstered, enabling them to perform with exceptional confidence even in challenging terrain. This stability, he said, has created the conducive environment necessary for developmental projects like the Darchik Cultural Centre to take shape.

Kavinder Gupta praised the Indian Army for its consistent support to community welfare while maintaining security in the culturally rich and strategically sensitive Aryan Valley. He recalled several goodwill initiatives—including the Indus View Point in Batalik, Captain Manoj Pandey (PVC) Stadium in Garkone, and the Kalubar War Memorial—as enduring examples of the Army’s commitment to the people of the region.

Outlining the UT Administration’s broader development agenda, the Lt Governor said, “We are committed to strengthening infrastructure, ensuring availability of skilled manpower, and creating an enabling environment for new businesses and tourism activities.” He reiterated the Government of India’s focus on leveraging Ladakh’s cultural and tourism potential, especially in historically significant areas like Kargil.

Highlighting the global significance of the Aryan Valley, he described it as a region renowned for its ancient ethnic lineage, distinctive traditions, and rare cultural expressions. The new Cultural Centre, he said, will serve as a dynamic platform for preserving traditional music, dance, attire, language, and folklore, while promoting cultural tourism to boost the local economy and generate livelihood opportunities.

Calling upon the community to utilise the centre as a “living cultural space,” he encouraged stakeholders to organise workshops, cultural festivals, youth training sessions, and research collaborations to elevate Aryan heritage to national and international platforms.

The Lt Governor expressed confidence that the Darchik Cultural Centre would evolve into a hub of pride, unity, and cultural revitalisation for the Dard Aryan community. He congratulated the residents of Aryan Valley and lauded the Indian Army for its unwavering dedication to both national security and social development.

Earlier in the event, the Lt Governor also virtually launched Community Radio Stations of Partapur and Tyakshi at village Darchik, strengthening local communication and public outreach. He appreciated the Indian Army for working closely with local communities and noted that these stations will serve as vital mediums for information-sharing, public awareness, and improved connectivity in the remote regions of Nubra Valley.

A special highlight of the ceremony was the release of the Param Vir Chakra Comic Series in the local Dardiarya/Brokskat language. Translated by lecturer and writer Nawang Sharap, the initiative aims to inspire the younger generation by bringing stories of India’s bravest war heroes to them in their mother tongue.

The Lt Governor also felicitated Nawang, Suhail, Nawang Rigzin, and Tundup Wangyal for their valuable contributions to cultural and community initiatives in the region.

The event concluded with heartfelt appreciation to all stakeholders whose collective efforts continue to safeguard and enrich the unique cultural identity of the Aryan Valley while promoting peace, harmony, and sustainable development.