The book "Stories from a Kargili Kitchen" was launched on June 2 by Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon. The event, organised by Roots Ladakh under the leadership of its founder, Muzammil, celebrated the rich culinary traditions, food memories, and cultural heritage of Kargil.

Muzammil, the visionary behind Roots Ladakh, opened the programme by sharing the inspiring journey behind the book. He explained that "Stories from a Kargili Kitchen" is a heartfelt effort to revive and document Kargil’s unique traditional food practices, which have been passed down through generations.

He expressed gratitude to the entire team whose dedication made the publication possible and urged dignitaries to ensure its wider distribution in educational institutions.

Co-author Neha Nair, a distinguished anthropologist, spoke about her research journey and highlighted that Kargil is much more than a region associated with war and borders. She described the book as not only a culinary exploration but also an important initiative for cultural preservation and revival.

Co-author Yash Saxena shared his experiences of food cultures across different regions and drew attention to the gradual decline of Kargil’s traditional food heritage. He discussed the factors contributing to this decline and emphasised the need to preserve local culinary traditions.

Renowned writer Reza Amjad Badgami, known for his contributions to Shina literature, underscored the significance of buckwheat, locally known as "Baro" in Shina and Balti. He highlighted its historical and cultural importance and its frequent mention in traditional literature.

Addressing the gathering, CEC Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon lauded the efforts of Roots Ladakh and the entire team for their valuable contribution to promoting Ladakh’s culture, cuisine, and organic farming traditions, which form an integral part of Kargil’s identity. He highlighted the ongoing efforts of LAHDC Kargil to promote tourism and expressed confidence that Kargil and Ladakh would gain greater national and international recognition. He assured support for distributing the book to educational institutions and thanked all contributors for their commitment and passion.

Member of Parliament Haji Haneefa Jan congratulated the authors, particularly Yash Saxena, Neha Nair, and Muzammil, for their efforts. He praised Roots Ladakh for promoting Kargil’s culture and tourism at national and international platforms and encouraged young people to actively participate in preserving Ladakh’s unique traditions and heritage.

The event was attended by several distinguished guests, including Deputy Commissioner Kargil Rakesh Kumar, SSP Kargil Nitin Yadav, Brigadier Joshi, Commander of 121 Infantry Brigade, former CEC Kacho Ahmed Khan, and former CEC Feroza Ahmed Khan.