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

The quest to belong

We had once gone on a school excursion to Sikkim. It was my first visit to this enchanting land. It was a truly magical and surreal experience to travel in…

By Stanzin Kunkhen

The end of an era: Abdul Ghani Sheikh (1936-2024)

Abdul Ghani Sheikh in front of the remnant of Leh’s historic boundary wall we ‘discovered’ during our exploration of the town in 2015. Abdul Ghani Sheikh was a friend in…

Sunetro Ghosal

Spotlight

The need to preserve Ladakh’s geo-heritage

By Dr Stanzin Namga

The Trans Himalayan region of Ladakh is located at the junction of collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. The formation of the Himalayas started with the closure of…

Postpartum depression: Worsened by lack of awareness?

By Tsering Dolkar

The transition into motherhood is often depicted as a joyous occasion. For many women, it comes with its own challenges, including postpartum depression (PPD). According to the World Health Organization…

Decision for new districts requires clarification, discussion

By Stanzin Chosphel

Recently, tweets from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India and the personal handle of the Minister of Home Affairs, Amit Shah declared that Ladakh will have five new…

In Focus

Why a heat wave led to cancellation of Leh flights

Ladakh experienced an unusually hot summer this year with temperatures soaring to 36 degree Celsius (96.8 degree Fahrenheit) in some parts of Leh district. The sun rays were so strong…

By Stanzin Kunkhen

Ladakh’s tryst with Nehru

In 2019, Ladakh’s former Member of Parliament (MP), Jamyang Tsering Namgyal became a social media sensation for his famous speech in the Indian Parliament. He accused Congress governments of ignoring…

By Mutasif Hussain

No jubilation over five new districts in Ladakh

To everyone’s surprise, Government of India recently announced, in one stroke, the creation of five new districts for Ladakh in addition to the existing two districts of Leh and Kargil.…

By Nawang Tsering Shakspo

Columns

New Delhi Diary Random musings a point of view

August, 2024

Top Picks

The hazards of staple pin packaging

Staple pin packaging has a ubiquitous presence in Ladakh, especially in Leh. It is used by everyone from dry fruit vendors to self-help groups who sell different food items. This…

By Er Konchok Ishey

The road ahead for Zangskar as a new district

People in Zangskar dancing in Padum’s main market to celebrate the announcement of district status for the region. (Photograph by Stanzin Paksang Raru) The recent announcement by the Government of…

By Dr Jamphel Sheyan

Misuse of sports infrastructure in Ladakh

Recently, I filed a formal complaint with Secretary, Youth Services and Sports Department, Administration of UT of Ladakh, Shri Vikram Singh Malik, IAS and the Hon’ble Executive Councillor in LAHDC,…

By Smanla Dorje Nuboo