LEH, January 26, 2026 – Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta unfurled the National Tricolour at the historic Polo Ground today, marking the 77th Republic Day with a vision to transform Ladakh into a model of inclusive and sustainable development.
Against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, Gupta inspected a grand parade and took the salute from various contingents, including the Ladakh Police, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and NCC groups from both Leh and Kargil.
The ceremony was attended by Member of Parliament Mohmad Haneefa Jan, Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra, DGP Mukesh Singh, and senior leaders from the military and civil administration.
In his keynote address, Kavinder Gupta emphasized that the Indian flag flying over the Siachen Glacier and Ladakh’s peaks symbolizes the core values of justice, liberty, and equality. Since assuming office in July 2025, the Lieutenant Governor has traveled over 8,000 km to remote border areas to ensure governance reaches the grassroots. He lauded the transformative national initiatives led by Narendra Modi, noting that Ladakh is a primary beneficiary of the “Vibrant Villages Programme,” which is significantly enhancing infrastructure and livelihoods in once-isolated border regions.
Highlighting sectoral progress, Gupta noted that Ladakh’s healthcare budget allocation of 8.76% now exceeds the national average, with major upgrades at Kargil District Hospital and SNM Hospital Leh. He detailed advancements in education through the Sindhu Central University and the implementation of NEP-2020.
Recognizing tourism as the backbone of the local economy, he praised the success of eco-tourism and the establishment of Hanle as India’s first Dark Sky Sanctuary. He also cited critical connectivity projects, including the Zoji La and Shinkun La tunnels, as vital for the region’s year-round integration with the rest of the country.
The event concluded with the felicitation of parade and cultural winners. The Jaffaria Academy of Modern Education, Kargil, secured first place in the marching contingents, while the Mahabodhi Residential School, Choglamsar, took top honors for cultural performance.
Gupta also announced the recipients of the LG Gold Medal and State Awards, paying tribute to the Armed Forces, Ladakh Scouts, and frontline workers. He urged the people to work collectively toward “Viksit Bharat 2047,” ensuring that Ladakh’s growth remains balanced between modern progress and the preservation of its unique tribal identity.
