*Leads Republic Day celebrations
Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, Jan 27: The 77th Republic Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour at the historic Polo Ground here, where the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, unfurled the National Tricolour, inspected the parade and took the salute at an against the backdrop of snow-clad mountains.
Extending Republic Day greetings to the people of Ladakh, the Lt Governor said the Tricolour today flies proudly over Ladakh’s peaks and the Siachen Glacier, symbolising the ideals of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity enshrined in the Constitution. He said Republic Day carries two enduring messages – “The Mantra of Freedom – Vande Mataram,” marking its 150th year, and “The Mantra of Prosperity – Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” reflecting India’s journey towards self-reliance, cultural diversity and national strength.
Highlighting the transformative initiatives undertaken under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Lt Governor referred to milestones such as India emerging as the fifth-largest economy, the digital revolution through UPI and JAM trinity, GST reforms, integration following abrogation of Article 370, flagship schemes including Swachh Bharat, Ayushman Bharat, PM Awas Yojana, Ujjwala, Jal Jeevan Mission, and achievements in space missions such as Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1.
Describing Ladakh’s strategic and cultural importance, Kavinder Gupta praised the patriotism of its people. Since assuming office on July 18, 2025, he said he has travelled over 8,000 km by road to remote areas including Dras, Zanskar, Nubra, Changthang, Aryan Valley and border villages to directly engage with citizens. He said this outreach has helped identify local needs, resolve issues, strengthen trust and ensure equitable development, with Administrative Secretaries directed to take governance to the grassroots. He added that youth employment aspirations rooted in Ladakh’s tribal identity are being addressed in a sensitive and balanced manner.
Outlining his vision for Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta said the UT aims to become a model of inclusive and sustainable development, balancing tradition with modernity and ensuring opportunities for youth, women and border communities.
Kavinder also felicitated the winners of the marching contingents, in which Jaffaria Academy of Modern Education, Kargil stood first, followed by Government Girls Higher Secondary School Leh and Sindh Public School Leh at second and third places, respectively. Similarly, Mahabodhi Residential School Choglamsar stood first in cultural performance while Lamdon Model Senior Secondary School Leh and Ladakh Public School Leh came second and third, respectively.
Among those present during the event were Member of Parliament from Ladakh Mohmad Haneefa Jan, Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra, DGP Ladakh Mukesh Singh, Administrative Secretaries, senior officials from Army, ITBP, Air Force, Ladakh Police; head of religious and political organisations, heads of Civil Society Organisations, prominent citizens, award winners, Head of Departments/Directors and senior officials from Ladakh along with a large number of crowd.
The post Ladakh aims to become model of inclusive, sustainable development: LG appeared first on Daily Excelsior.