Reported by Dr. Tsewang Dorji Jeshong, Research Fellow of Tibet Policy Institute
The one day national conference on “Tibet–Himalaya Relations in Reference to Ladakhi Culture and History” was successfully organized by the Centre for Research on Ladakh, the Chief Representative Office of Ladakh, the Regional Tibetan Women’s Association, Leh, the Regional Tibetan Youth Congress, Leh, and the Tibet Policy Institute of the Central Tibetan Administration. It was held at the Tibetan Assembly Hall, Choglamsar, Leh, Ladakh on 17 June 2026.
The event brought together more than 45 Ladakhi and Tibetan scholars, artists, journalists and community leaders to explore the deep historical and cultural connections between Tibet and Ladakh, with reference to culture, language, and history. The participation of representatives from institutions such as the Institute of Buddhist Dialectics, University of Ladakh, and the Tibet Policy Institute underscored the commitment to building a shared intellectual and cultural foundation.
The inaugural presence of Khensur Lobsang Tsetan, whose formal monastic education at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery predates 1959, lent the conference a profound sense of historical continuity and depth. The special address delivered by Mr. Tsering Dorjee Lakruk, president of the Ladakh Buddhist Association further highlighted the importance of local cultural perspectives within broader scholarly discussions. In their respective remarks, Mr. Nawang Tsering Shakspo, founder of the Centre for Research on Ladakh, offered a warm welcome to participants and briefed about the nature and scope of conference. Dr. Tsewang Dorji Jeshong, a research fellow of Tibet Policy Institute emphasized the intellectual significance of the gathering. Speakers underscored the vital role such conferences play in safeguarding local knowledge systems and ensuring that community narratives remain in the hands of local scholars rather than becoming diluted, marginalized, or forgotten.
Dr. Tsewang Dorji Jeshong chaired the technical panels which focused on the shared culture, language, migration patterns, and historical ties between Tibet and Ladakh, highlighting both of Tibetan and Ladakhi common heritage and the challenges they face.
In the concluding remarks, conference participants emphasized the importance of future collaboration between the Tibet Policy Institute and Ladakhi academic institutions, reflecting a long-term vision for joint research, knowledge exchange, and cultural preservation.
The proceedings of the conference were comprehensively covered and reported by DD News Ladakh and other local media outlets. The conference was attended by more than 60 people, including college students and local residents.
