LEH: In a significant move to keep Ladakh’s distinct cultural identity alive and thriving, the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) has advised all government employees to wear traditional Ladakhi costume every Monday. Earlier, it was on every Saturday but at the requests of officials now traditional Ladakhi dress code is followed every Monday in all government offices in Leh and officials find it befitting to be in Ladakhi dress at their jobs.
Chairman LAHDC Dr. Sonam Dawa says that Jammu & Kashmir Cultural Academy Leh office was already observing Ladakhi dress code every Monday and LAHDC also adopted it and made an appeal to all government employees of the district. This move is appreciated by all sections of the society and officials find it comfortable and also pride to be in their own traditional dress. The dress ‘Kos’ or ‘Goncha’ worn during winter is made of wools to suite the climatic conditions of the place. Following an official communication from chairman LAHDC regarding observing Ladakhi traditional dress code, office of the Deputy Commissioner / CEO, LAHDC, Leh wrote to every department to follow direction of LAHDC. “It is, therefore, requested that all officials working in your department may be requested to follow the dress code. It is expected that HODs (head of departments) shall lead by example. However, non-local officials shouldn’t be compelled,” the official circular from DC’s office said. It is, however, learnt that most non-Ladakhi officials serving in Ladakh are also happily accepting to wear Ladakhi dress every Monday.
“It is very nice to see all employees in traditional Ladakhi dress and we must congratulate LAHDC and all employees. Every Ladakhi must now observe Ladakhi dress code every Monday as it instils a sense of pride about one’s own heritage and culture,” observed Dr. Sonam Wangchuk President Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation.
At the LAHDC Secretariat every Monday is observed as a ‘Ladakh Day’ as members and all officials are attired in Ladakh costume and food is served all Ladakhi. Few years ago LAHDC had made it mandatory to all business establishments and offices to write sign boards in Ladakhi along with English and it has been followed scrupulously followed by everyone over the years.