Vice-President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, on June 20 visited the Hall of Fame War Memorial, Sindhu Ghat, Pashmina Goat Farm at Upshi and the first rock check dam on the Sindhu River during the second day of his official visit to the Union Territory of Ladakh.

Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, accompanied the Vice-President during the visits.

At the Hall of Fame War Memorial in Leh, the Vice-President paid homage to the brave soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces and lauded their unwavering commitment to the nation. He said the spirit of “Nation First: Always and Every Time” displayed by the armed forces inspires every citizen with a deep sense of patriotism and gratitude.

The Vice-President appreciated the Indian Army for establishing and maintaining the memorial, which preserves the legacy of courage, valour and sacrifice of India’s soldiers. He also visited galleries depicting military operations during the Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars and noted that they stand as enduring reminders of the dedication and heroism of the Armed Forces.

Later, the Vice-President visited the sacred Sindhu Ghat near Leh and offered prayers on the banks of the River Sindhu. He observed that the Sindhu River remains a timeless symbol of India’s civilizational heritage and cultural unity, inspiring generations through its enduring legacy.

During his visit to the Pashmina Goat Farm at Upshi, the Vice-President was briefed on initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting Ladakh’s unique Pashmina heritage. Appreciating the efforts of the institution, he said that Changthangi goats and the world-renowned Pashmina produced from them represent the rich traditions, skills and ingenuity of the people of Ladakh.

He commended the farm’s contribution towards sustainable livestock management and socio-economic empowerment of local communities, particularly women engaged in Pashmina production and allied activities. The Vice-President appreciated the efforts of scientists, staff and local stakeholders in strengthening rural livelihoods, enhancing women’s economic participation and preserving this valuable heritage for future generations.

During his visit to Upshi, the Vice-President also inspected the first rock check dam on the Sindhu River, constructed under the Sindhu Jal Samriddhi Abhiyan. Appreciating the eco-friendly and cost-effective initiative, he described it as an innovative and locally suited solution to address Ladakh’s recurring water challenges.

The Vice-President lauded the vision and leadership of Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena for conceptualising and spearheading the initiative. He noted that the project helps augment water levels in shallow stretches of the Sindhu River, enabling farmers to irrigate fields during the crucial sowing season.

He observed that such sustainable interventions can significantly enhance water security, support agricultural livelihoods and contribute to the long-term development of Ladakh.

Later in the day, the Vice-President interacted with personnel of the 5th Battalion of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) in Ladakh. He lauded their professionalism, dedication and commitment towards safeguarding the nation’s frontiers under some of the most challenging conditions.

The Vice-President is on a three-day official visit to Ladakh from June 19 to 21, 2026. During the visit, he will participate in the International Day of Yoga celebrations on June 21, 2026.