STATE TIMES NEWS
LEH: A 20-member group from the Durbuk-Lalok area, comprising 11 women and 9 men above the age of 50, called on the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, at the LG Secretariat after completing a National Excursion Tour organised by the Indian Army.
The tour was aimed at providing participants with first-hand exposure to India’s rich cultural heritage, key national institutions, and ongoing development initiatives, while also fostering national integration and people-to-people connect, particularly from remote and border regions.
During the interaction, the participants shared their experiences from the journey, describing the tour as both informative and inspiring. They expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Indian Army for organising the excursion and for the care and support extended throughout the journey. Several members shared that it was their first experience of air travel, while many described their visit to the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya as deeply spiritual and memorable. The group also appreciated the arrangements and guidance provided by the accompanying Army personnel.
Col Subodh Samudre informed the Lieutenant Governor that the tour was conducted under Operation Sadbhavana from January 20 to February 1, 2026.
The itinerary included visits to prominent sites in Leh such as the Shanti Stupa and the Hall of Fame, followed by Delhi, where the group visited the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex to view the sacred Piprahwa relics of Bhagwan Buddha, along with Humayun’s Tomb and the Swaminarayan Akshardham Mandir. The tour concluded with a visit to Bodh Gaya, where the participants paid obeisance at the Mahabodhi Temple.
Appreciating the Indian Army’s sustained efforts to strengthen people-to-people connect, the Lieutenant Governor stated that such initiatives reinforce national unity, inclusiveness, and the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. He also informed that the UT Administration plans to bring the sacred Piprahwa Buddha relics to Ladakh for local devotees.
Highlighting the role of senior citizens in preserving cultural values and social harmony, Kavinder Gupta encouraged participants to share their experiences with their communities and inspire younger generations. He reaffirmed the Central Government’s commitment to Ladakh’s development, with a focus on connectivity, infrastructure, healthcare, livelihoods, and the preservation of cultural and ecological heritage.