LG Vinai Kumar Saxena Attends “dPal rNgam Duston- 2026” in Leh, Announces Top Civilian Awards on UT Day

LEH, August 05, 2026 — Amid rich cultural fervor, the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, joined the people of the region at the historic Leh Palace to celebrate “dPal rNgam Duston 2026,” commemorating seven years of Union Territory status for Ladakh.

Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor stated that August 5 remains a defining moment in Ladakh’s history, noting that the long-standing aspirations of the people were fulfilled under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. He highlighted that UT status has ushered in an era of inclusive development across multiple sectors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, energy, agriculture, water security, employment, skill development, digital governance, and tourism.

To mark the historic occasion, Lieutenant Governor Saxena announced the prestigious “dPal rNgam Award 2026” for His Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa Rinpoche and conferred the “dPal rNgam Lifetime Achievement Award 2026” posthumously upon Late Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, MVC.

Honorific titles were omitted in official press statements in line with standard protocol for the war hero popularly known as the “Lion of Ladakh,” whose courage and sacrifice during the Kargil War continue to inspire generations. Reaffirming the collective resolve to build a prosperous, peaceful, and self-reliant Ladakh as part of the broader Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, the Lieutenant Governor extended his heartfelt greetings to all residents of the region.