Stawa

The arrogant Ladakhi: Myth or reality?

Tourism has emerged as the backbone of Ladakh’s economy over the last few decades. Hoteliers, guest-house owners, shopkeepers, antique-dealers, pony-men, guides, taxi drivers and a significant section of society depend…

By The stawa team

A teacher’s reflection on protests, fear, and the future

20 July is my birthday. I was happy that a big protest, which many of us were anticipating, was taking place on that day in the heart of Delhi. I…

By Stanzin Angmo

Critical analysis: Can we treat drug addiction with alcohol?

The increasing prevalence of drug and substance abuse in Ladakh has emerged as one of the most pressing social concerns of our time. Even two decades back, the idea of…

The stawa team

Spotlight

More than names on a map

By Phuntsog Tsering

Twenty-eight geographical names have just been added to the official Survey of India map of Ladakh. They may look like small additions in a vast landscape. They are not. Names…

The glaciers’ final prayers

By Stanzin Dolker

Over several aeons, the mountains have witnessed different stories that flowed like a river, continuous and alive. But I am quite sure that this time they feel suffocated and helpless.…

Is declaring Protected Monuments enough?

By Dr Sonam Wangchok

In a milestone decision for heritage conservation, the Administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh officially declared 23 historic sites across the region as Protected Monuments. Spanning thousands of years…

In Focus

Yak butter to butter chicken: The making of modern Ladakh?

There was a time in Ladakh when life expectancy was modest, but life itself was expansive. People did not live long, but their lives were hard. By the time a…

By Phuntsog Tsering

The scary trend of normalising alcohol in Ladakh

Ladakh was once known for its spiritual depth and meaningful celebrations. It is now slowly drifting toward a culture of mindless partying. Where there was tradition, connection, and joy, we…

By Padma Dolkar

Kargil at crossroads: Unplanned urban growth and a fragile future

Historically, Kargil (Purig) was known for its simplicity, resilience, and close-knit community. Over time, this high altitude Trans Himalayan region grew within strict ecological limits marked by harsh climatic conditions,…

By Dr Fayaz Hussain

Columns

New Delhi Diary Random musings a point of view

March, 2025

August, 2024

Top Picks

Being mindful about social media content

Nowadays, getting online content is one of the easiest things. Just open any social media app and you will get endless videos, memes, and shorts as if they were waiting…

By Rigzen Norbu

Invisible labour: The silent patriarchy shaping our lives

It was a Sunday afternoon. I was studying when my mother asked me to wash my brother’s uniform. I refused, arguing that both of us were studying. She gave me…

By Zulikha Bano

From merit to messaging: The strategic drift of the Cockroach Janta Party

Few youth-led protest movements in recent India have been as original as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). By reclaiming the word ‘cockroach’, originally used as an insult, it transformed ridicule…

By Phuntsog Tsering