STATE TIMES NEWS
LEH: National Book Trust (NBT), India is organizing the first-of-its-kind Ladakh Book Festival from July 12 to 16, 2023 at the New Multipurpose Indoor Stadium (NDS Memorial Sports Ground), opposite LAHDC Secretariat, Leh.
Set against the serene backdrop of the towering Himalayas and Karakoram Mountain ranges, this literary festival is a joyous ode to both the written word and the magnificence of Ladakh.
Organized in association with Administration of UT of Ladakh, this festival aims to provide a platform for bringing the Ladakhi literature, arts, and culture to the forefront of discourse at the National and International platforms through its digital outreach programme where all the discussions will be made Live across various platforms pan India.
Yuvraj Malik, Director National Book Trust, India informed this at a press conference in Leh on Tuesday.
He talked about how books and reading impact every mind, and how exchange of literature and culture influences a society, and hence this unique book festival by NBT-India is an opportunity for all age-groups to visit and benefit from this event.
He asked the youth to visit the fair and added, “One book can change your life, Come and choose that book in this book festival”. He was flanked by ADDC Leh Sonam Nurboo who appealed to the people of the region to benefit from this book festival and get the best from it. Entry is free for all, and 10 per cent discount on the purchase of books are also available as well.
The Ladakh Book Festival will be inaugurated by the Lt. Governor of Ladakh, Dr B.D. Mishra.
Apart from the main venue, a host of activities and events will also be organised across the city of Leh, including reading and storytelling sessions, musical performances, art, and craft activities, ensuring an immersive experience for all. A three-day translation workshop in Hindi to Bhoti language will also be organised on the sidelines of the book festival to foster greater translation of local literature, facilitating wider access to the literary treasures of Ladakh.
In addition, there will be an interactive session between PM YUVA authors and the budding authors of Ladakh.
The collection of Urdu books by National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language and Culture Academy’s Kargil chapter showcases books for the diverse reading needs for the people of Kargil and Leh.