Centre offers Rs 65 lakh grant to preserve Ladakh’s folk traditions

The Department of Science and Technology under the Union government on Wednesday offered Rs 65 lakh grant to two top universities to document and preserve Ladakh’s rich folk traditions.

The collaborative research project between Dr B.R. Ambedkar University Delhi and University of Ladakh has bagged Rs 65 lakh from the Department of Science and Technology under the Science and Heritage Research Initiative (SHRI).

This interdisciplinary project, spanning three years starting from July 2025, aims to preserve and document Ladakh’s rich folk traditions, bridging heritage, folk traditions and technology.

“We are thrilled to embark on this collaborative research project, which will not only preserve Ladakh’s cultural heritage but also showcase the power of academic partnerships," said Prof Anu Singh Lather, Vice Chancellor of Ambedkar University.

The University of Ladakh’s Vice Chancellor Saket Kushwaha said the research would foster greater understanding and appreciation of the region’s unique cultural traditions.

The project, titled “Preservation, Promotion and Documentation of Folk Traditions: A Study of Ladakh," brings together faculty members from both universities, including Sonam Jolden, Dean Research, Centre for Himalayan and Trans-Himalayan Studies, University of Ladakh, Rukmini Sen, Dean School of Heritage Research and Management, Dr BR Ambedkar University, Delhi, Urfat Anjem Mir, Dean School of Undergraduate Studies, Dr BR Ambedkar University, Delhi, and Dr Chimat Ladol, Assistant Professor, Political Science, University of Ladakh.

J & K