Kargil, May 29: The Ladakh Academy of Art, Culture, and Language (LAACL), Kargil, held a grand book release function today at TFC Kargil to unveil “Rajgan Purik,” a comprehensive historical account authored by the esteemed historian Mohammad Sadiq Hardassi. This event marked the release of Hardassi’s third major work, following his previous publications, “Balti Mahajireen: A Short History” (2012) and “Balti Adab: A Short History” (2017).
The function was graced by numerous distinguished guests. Director of Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) Ladakh, Tahir Hussain Zubdavi, served as the chief guest, while Joint Director of Information, Ladakh, Imteeaz Kacho, and Padma Shree Awardee Akhone Asgar Ali Basharat attended as guests of honour. Former Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) Alhaj Kacho Ahmad Ali Khan, along with other descendants of the Purig Rajgan, were special guests, enriching the event with their presence and insights.
Renowned Purgi scholars and writers, Mohd Issa Sabiri and Haji Mohd Hussain Pashkum, presented detailed reviews of the book, emphasizing its historical significance and the meticulous research involved.
A highlight of the program was a captivating folk song performance by Ladakh’s famous folk singer Tundup Dorjey Stakmo, inspired by the book, which deeply resonated with the audience.
Chief guest Tahir Hussain Zubdavi underscored the importance of scholarly research in presenting well-documented history. Kacho Ahmad Khan, a descendant of Chiktan Razi Khar, praised Hardassi’s dedication to preserving the history of Purig.
Imteeaz Kacho commended Hardassi’s efforts to document the region’s history despite limited resources and proposed organizing a workshop on the Egay script for the younger generation, under the aegis of the Ladakh Cultural Academy and Information Department.
Hardassi’s research for “Rajgan Purik” spanned six years, involving consultations with elders, historians, and the examination of various historical documents, including rare manuscripts and ancient Qur’ans. His work aims to provide an authentic and unbiased account of Purig’s history, addressing historical doubts and preserving the region’s heritage for future generations.
During the event, Sadiq Hardassi expressed his gratitude to LAACL Kargil and specifically acknowledged the Deputy Secretary, Nazir Hussain, for his unwavering support for writers and poets. He highlighted Nazir Hussain’s role in fostering a vibrant literary community in Kargil, leading to a surge in the number of writers emerging from the region.
Other notable attendees included State Awardee Ghulam Ahmed Jawan, Kacho Sajad Zamsthayang, Director of KAREDA Aga Sayed Hadi Shah, Director Parsa Javed Ahmed, Dr. Sona Wangchuk, Founder & Director of the Himalayan Heritage Foundation, Mohd Hussain Rehnuma, Assistant Professors Tahira Bano, Kunzes Angmo, Sonam Wangyal, Archo Fatima, Shafi Sagar, Zahid Mukhtar, and others.
The publication of “Rajgan Purik: Ek Short History” represents a significant contribution to the historical literature of the region, offering a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike.
The program proceedings were conducted by Murtaza Fazili, while Anayat Ali Shoto, Convener of the Himalayan Heritage Foundation Kargil Chapter, presented the vote of thanks.
