SRINAGAR: The Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation (HCHF) and the Association of Baltis in Himalayan Ladakh and Territories of Indus (ABHLTI) jointly organised the Second Confluence of Balti Culture in Kargil on Sunday, where scholars and community leaders called for national and international efforts to preserve and promote Balti language, literature, and cultural identity.
The event, themed “Reflecting on the Balti Cultural Heritage: Challenges and New Directions,” brought together academics, poets, and cultural practitioners from Ladakh, Jammu, Srinagar, Uttarakhand, and Baltistan. Dr Sonam Wangchok, Founder of HCHF, said the Balti Confluence series seeks to connect Balti communities across India and beyond while strengthening collective efforts to safeguard their linguistic and cultural legacy. He announced that future editions of the Confluence would be organised at national and international levels to empower and unite the Balti community.
The day-long programme featured paper presentations on Balti history, literature, and community life, along with a Mushaira celebrating the Balti poetic tradition. Dr Mohammad Jaffar Akhoon, Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC Kargil, who presided as Chief Guest, lauded the initiative and urged greater recognition for local writers, scholars, and cultural advocates working to preserve the region’s heritage.
The event concluded with a musical performance by popular Balti singer Sadiq Ali Ashoor and a vote of thanks from Anayat Ali Shotopa, HCHF Kargil Convener, reaffirming the community’s commitment to preserving its shared heritage across borders.
