Leh: Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Saturday visited the Hall of Fame War Memorial here and expressed the nation’s gratitude to the forces for their selfless service and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the country’s security and territorial integrity. Radhakrishnan, who is currently on a three-day maiden tour of Ladakh, also inspected the first rock check dam on the Sindhu River and Pashmina Goat Farm on the second day, officials said.
“Visited the Hall of Fame War Memorial in Leh, Ladakh, today and paid homage to the brave soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces. The unwavering commitment of our armed forces to the Motherland, embodying the spirit of ‘Nation First: Always and Every Time’, instils in every visitor a profound sense of patriotism and gratitude,” the vice president said in a post on X.
He appreciated the Indian Army for establishing and maintaining the memorial, which preserves the “inspiring legacy, courage and sacrifices of our heroes and serves as a source of inspiration for present and future generations”. The vice president said he also visited the galleries depicting operations during the Indo-Pak and Indo-China Wars in Hall of Fame which stand as a testament to the courage, dedication and sacrifices of the brave personnel of the Armed Forces.
Radhakrishnan met with the brave personnel of the 5th Battalion of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and lauded their unwavering dedication, professionalism and steadfast commitment to safeguarding the nation’s frontiers under some of the most challenging conditions. He also conveyed the gratitude of the people of India for their selfless service in ensuring the security and territorial integrity of the country.
Visiting the first rock check dam on the Sindhu River at Upshi, which was constructed under the Sindhu Jal Samriddhi Abhiyan, the vice president appreciated the eco-friendly and cost-effective initiative, conceptualised and inaugurated last month by the Ladakh Lt Governor V K Saxena, as an innovative solution to Ladakh’s recurring water challenges. The pioneering project augments water levels in shallow stretches of the Sindhu River, enabling farmers to irrigate their fields during the crucial sowing season.
The Vice President noted that such sustainable and locally adapted interventions can significantly strengthen water security, support agricultural livelihoods, and contribute to the long-term development of the region. “It was a pleasure to visit the Pashmina Goat Farm at Upshi and witness firsthand the remarkable efforts being undertaken to preserve and promote the unique Pashmina heritage of Ladakh,” he said.
The Changthangi goats and the world-renowned Pashmina they produce stand as symbols of the ingenuity and rich cultural traditions of the people of this region. The farm’s contribution towards sustainable livestock management and the socio-economic empowerment of local communities, particularly women engaged in Pashmina production and allied activities, is truly commendable, he said.
Radhakrishnan appreciate the dedication of the scientists, staff, and local stakeholders associated with this institution. “Their collective efforts are helping strengthen rural livelihoods, create opportunities for women’s economic participation, and preserve an invaluable national asset for future generations,” he said. He also visited the sacred Sindhu Ghat near Leh on the second day of his visit to Ladakh and offered prayers on the banks of the revered River Sindhu. The Sindhu River, a timeless symbol of Bharat’s civilisational heritage and cultural unity, continues to inspire generations with its enduring legacy, he said.
On June 21, the vice president will participate in the International Day of Yoga celebrations at Leh. The event will witness the participation of youth, armed forces personnel, and members of various organisations in promoting the message of holistic health and well-being through yoga, the officials said.
