With temperatures dropping below freezing, Pangong Lake in Ladakh became the backdrop for one of the world’s most extreme marathons. Battling icy winds and sub-zero temperatures, determined runners from Mumbai were seen pushing through the harsh conditions to complete this breathtaking challenge of, full marathon (42.2 km) at Pangong Lake, located in the Leh district of Ladakh. The participants pushed their limits, proving that endurance is as much about mental strength as it is about physical fitness. Here’s their incredible journey as they battled extreme cold to cross the finish line.
01 March,2025 02:43 PM IST
Amid the hustle and bustle of Mumbai, 22 students from the serene and remote land of Ladakh are experiencing a world far different from their own. For these students, most hailing from the isolated village of Turtuk, the vibrant energy of Mumbai is a stark contrast to the stillness of the snow-covered mountains of their home. Their hearts are full of hope and curiosity as they attend classes at Chembur’s AFAC English School, a part of a heartfelt three-month study exchange program. This initiative, running from November to February, was born out of a deep sense of compassion and the desire to provide these children with opportunities that would otherwise be lost due to Ladakh’s harsh winters. The students from Turtuk and other remote villages face the harsh reality of interrupted learning, leaving them to pause their education when the weather is most extreme. But thanks to the kindness and determination of individuals like Jitendra Mandlecha, the lives of these young minds are being changed. Mandlecha, who has always felt a deep connection to the people of Ladakh, first visited the region in 2018. His journey to Turtuk Valley exposed him to the challenges faced by local schools, and he knew he had to help. Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to support border communities, he launched a teacher training programme in 2019 in collaboration with the Kotak Education Programme. When the pandemic hit in 2020, Mandlecha found an innovative solution—encouraging trained teachers to form small groups and educate children in their villages. As the programme’s success grew, parents requested a dedicated school. In response, he converted a guesthouse into classrooms, giving birth to Turtuk Valley School, which now educates over 120 students. A new school building is set to open in June 2025. What started as a small initiative to help children through the winter months has blossomed into a movement that is changing lives, one child at a time.
30 January,2025 02:28 PM IST
Massive protests have erupted in Ladakh following the detention of renowned activist Sonam Wangchuk on September 30. Wangchuk, along with other volunteers, was undertaking a foot march from Leh to New Delhi to urge the central government to resume dialogue with Ladakh's leadership. The protesters demand inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which would grant local populations law-making powers to protect their land and cultural identity. The Delhi police detained Wangchuk and many supporters at the Singhu border, igniting outrage across the region. In response, the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and the Apex Body, Leh, have called for a bandh across Ladakh, mobilizing widespread support for their cause. The protests underscore the deep-rooted concerns of Ladakhis regarding their rights and governance, reflecting a strong desire for autonomy and protection of their unique cultural heritage.
01 October,2024 05:19 PM IST
On August 26, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced the creation of five new districts in Ladakh—Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra, and Changthang. This significant move aims to enhance governance and ensure that developmental benefits reach the region’s diverse and remote areas more effectively. Home Minister Amit Shah shared the news on X, highlighting the initiative’s role in fostering regional progress. Prime Minister Narendra Modi echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the new districts are crucial for improving governance and driving prosperity in Ladakh. Former MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal also expressed support for PM Modi’s vision, acknowledging the positive impact of this administrative restructuring. The creation of these districts is expected to bring essential services closer to the people, thereby contributing to Ladakh’s overall development and well-being.
26 August,2024 05:40 PM ISTADVERTISEMENT
