Tag Archives: Positive News of Muslims of Ladakh

Beyond The Memories Of War: How An Initiative Is Changing The Face Of Tourism In Kargil

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Kargil, LADAKH :

An inspirational example of how tourism can be a force for good, Roots Ladakh is empowering local communities and preserving the cultural and natural heritage of Kargil.

Roots Ladakh aims to change the preconceived notion of Kargil as a war zone and bring it to the world map as a responsible tourism destination

Against the rugged mountains of the north, Kargil’s troubled history shines bright even today. The town, which has much to offer to discerning travellers, is often overshadowed by the tourist hotspot of Leh and remains mired in its past. Nonetheless, shrugging off its bloody war-torn memories, Kargil is trying to reinvent itself as a tourist destination. And help has come from the people that call it home. 

Laying Down Roots

It is undeniable that there is much more to Kargil than is perceived. And this is precisely what Muzammil Hussain and Tafazzul Hussain—founders of Roots Ladakh, a travel social enterprise —are trying to achieve. As youngsters, they witnessed the Indo-Pak conflict of 1999 and were sent away to complete their education. But love and belief in their beloved land brought them back home.

Tafazzul Hussain(left) and Muzammil Hussain(right) organise treks through Roots Ladakh

“At the time (of war), I was in 7th, and my brother was in 2nd Grade. We spent many years away from home, only visiting during summer breaks. During that period, I always used to get asked where I was from, and my answer would always stir awe. It would then be followed up by questions that I used to find very bothersome at that time. I used to get very bothered by the fact that people had a very narrow and skewed understanding of Kargil. Most people thought it was a garrison town in Kashmir; few even thought it was in Pakistan. For me, it became a question of identity. I always struggled to define who I am and where I am from,” expresses Muzammil. Perturbed by these miserable notions of his hometown, the brothers decided there was only one way to change the perception: to bring people to Kargil. 

Roots Ladakh

Founded in 2013, Roots Ladakh had a simple vision: to change the preconceived notion of Kargil as a war zone and bring it to the world map as a responsible tourism destination. 

The community-run cultural heritage museum in Henasku, Kargil

Through the enterprise, the Hussain brothers promote the lesser-known part of Ladakh, i.e. Kargil and Zanskar. Since its inception, they have taken up various initiatives to document Kargil’s natural and cultural landscape extensively.

They offer travel products such as treks and hikes, climbing, wildlife tours, travel-based design and architectural workshops, rural experiences, homestays and luxury getaways, catering to a broad segment of travellers.

Hunderman is a small village where the Museum of Memories showcases the long forgotten stories of the region

But why focus on Ladakh? Muzammil has a simple explanation. “Ladakh is a well-known destination worldwide, and in the last decade, it has also become a very popular destination amongst domestic travellers. The tourism business is currently highly seasonal and only focuses mainly on popular destinations like Leh, Nubra and Pangong. This not only creates an inequitable income distribution from tourism but also puts a lot of strain on the ecology. Water scarcity and waste management are real threats,” he says. Hence, the bouquet of their travel offerings brings value to the communities living in Ladakh’s remote and lesser-known corners.

Experiences Galore

Perhaps, the most essential aspect of Roots Ladakh’s work is its commitment to sustainability. If you head to Ladakh with Roots, you can trust that your trip will be sustainable and immersed in natural and cultural heritage. One of their highlight projects is Unlock Hundurman – Museum of Memories, a community-run museum in a 300-year-old abandoned settlement along the Indo-Pak LoC in Kargil. These homes were opened to unfold the lives and stories of the people living here through the narratives of war, arts and crafts, lifestyle and culture. 

Roots Ladakh organises treks and hikes, wildlife tours, travel-based design and architectural workshops

Another initiative, Project Drenmo, focuses on wildlife conservation activities for Himalayan Brown Bear. “We wish to address the issue of the Human-Himalayan Brown Bear conflict in the region through a sustainable conflict mitigation and conservation model through community engagement. We focus on outreach, sensitisation, capacity building and wildlife tourism promotion within the community,” Muzammil shares.

One of the most popular programs Roots Ladakh offers is the homestay program, which allows visitors to stay with local families in traditional Ladakhi homes. This not only provides visitors with a unique and authentic cultural experience but also provides income to the families and helps to preserve the local way of life. An extension of that program is Black Sheep, a boutique bed and breakfast in the heart of Kargil, with a view of the beautiful Suru River as it snakes along the city. Here, you can immerse yourself in the culture and heritage of the region as you learn more about the city and its people. 

Moreover, the enterprise promotes voluntarism and offers volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups in various parts of Ladakh to promote sustainability and responsible tourism. The road to success, much like the meandering roads of Ladakh, is challenging to navigate, but the brothers are committed to their cause. “Our vision is to set a road map for the coming generations to appreciate and embrace our local heritage, ethics and values. We want to inspire businesses to be conscious about creating shared value,” he says. 

source: http://www.indianexpress.con / The Indian Express – Express et.al / Home> Responsible Tourism / by Mallika Bhagat / by IE Online Media Services

The forgotten treasure that brought a Silk Road city back to map: ‘Changing notions of a warzone’

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Kargil, LADAKH :

In the aftermath of the Kargil War, Muzzamil Hussain’s family unearthed a treasure of Silk Road artefacts in their ancestral property near Kargil’s bazaar.  

At the request of Hussain’s ailing grandfather, the family inspected an old property near Kargil’s bazaar.(Pixabay)

In 1999, during the violent onset of the Kargil War, Muzzamil Hussain and his family fled their hometown in Ladakh and sought refuge in the remote Suru Valley. The conflict, which left a lasting imprint on the region, marked a turning point in Hussain’s life. Upon returning to Kargil after India claimed victory, a significant discovery awaited the family, changing their lives forever.

At the request of Hussain’s ailing grandfather, the family inspected an old property near Kargil’s bazaar, originally built by his great-grandfather, Munshi Aziz Bhat. Behind hand-carved wooden doors sealed with a rusty latch, they discovered a trove of artefacts, including silks from China, Persian rugs, silver cookware from Afghanistan, Tibetan turquoise, and luxury items from London and New York. The collection would later be recognised as one of India’s finest private Silk Road relics.

Preserving the past

Initially unsure how to handle the artefacts, the family received guidance from anthropologists Dr. Jacqueline Fewkes and Nasir Khan from Florida Atlantic University in 2002. Recognising the collection’s historical significance, they encouraged its preservation, according to the BBC.

This advice led to the establishment of the Munshi Aziz Bhat Museum in central Kargil, overseen by Hussain’s uncles. The museum showcases hundreds of Silk Road artefacts, such as 18th-century Ladakhi sheep-horn bows and 19th-century Chinese copper pipes.

“The Munshi Aziz Bhat [museum] doesn’t have to, and should not, be the British Museum or the Smithsonian because it offers its own perspective that is invaluable to both local and global audiences,” Dr. Fewkes stated. “The stories are focused on identities that are significant to the descendants … family and local histories provide an alternative understanding about the past.”

Carrying forward a legacy

While his uncles manage the museum’s daily operations, Hussain dedicates his efforts to researching and tracing his family’s Silk Road heritage. He believes these initiatives help reconnect the local community with its roots.

“In places impacted by war, like Kargil, there is often an identity crisis and lack of pride,” Hussain remarked. “Tourism can be a powerful tool for healing. When visitors appreciate your history and heritage, it fosters a sense of pride.”

Born in Leh in 1866, Munshi Aziz Bhat—Hussain’s great-grandfather—studied in Skardu, now in Pakistan. He later established a thriving trade hub in Kargil, featuring shops, an inn, and stables for long-distance traders arriving from places such as Lhasa and Yarkand.

At its peak, this hub connected Central Asia, mainland India, China, Europe, and the Americas. However, the 1948 partition between India and Pakistan shut down trade routes, effectively ending Bhat’s prosperous business. The property remained locked for nearly half a century.

In 2013, Hussain and his brother Tafazzul launched Roots Ladakh, a travel company promoting the region’s cultural and natural heritage. While most tourists visit Leh, Hussain aims to highlight Kargil’s historical significance.

“Our vision is to change the preconceived notion of Kargil as a warzone through the lens of heritage,” Hussain explained.

Hussain frequently travels along the perilous Zoji La pass, connecting Kashmir to Ladakh—a route still considered one of the world’s most dangerous.

A new chapter for Kargil

The family’s efforts continue to reshape Kargil’s image. Hussain’s engagement with visitors mirrors the legacy of his ancestors, who once hosted traders from across the globe.

“I reminisce a lot about my ancestors and the interesting people they must have met. Kargil today is still a transit location, just like in the past, and I feel like I am continuing that legacy by hosting travelers and guests,” Hussain shared.

source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home / by Simran Singh / January 30th, 2025

Akeel Ahmed of Kargil becomes youngest Air Safety Officer at DGCA

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Sankoo Thangdumbdur Village (Kargil) , LADAKH :

Mohammad Akeel

New Delhi :

Mohd Akeel, a 22-year-old Aeronautical engineer hailing from Ladakh has become the first person from the frontier region to be selected as the Air Safety Officer in the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Akeel cleared the Union Public Services Commission’s national examination held for selecting Air safety officers for 2023.

People are congratulating Akeel on social media, praising his achievement at such a young age, and calling it a breaking the barriers phenomenon.

Akeel is one of the youngest people to clear this coveted examination.

He belongs to the village Sankoo Thangdumbdur, located about 42 km from Kargil town in the Union territory of Ladakh.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Aasha Khosa, ATV / May 08th, 2024

A year after receiving Padma Shri, Balti author Akhone Asghar Ali Basharat struggles to get book published

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri Award (since January 01st, 2024), Books (incl.Biographies - w.e.f.01 jan 2018 ), Community Involvement / Social Issues, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Karkit Tchoo Village (Kargil District), LADAKH:

Balti litterateur Akhone Asghar Ali Basharat
Balti litterateur Akhone Asghar Ali Basharat

The only Padma Shri Balti writer, Akhone Asghar Ali Basharat from the Kargil district of Ladakh, is struggling to get his anthology of native poetry published.

Akhoon has already published five books and when he was conferred with the Padma Sri by the government of India in 2022, it looked as if his career would take to newer heights. However, a year later, he lacks the resources to get his latest book published.

Speaking to Awaz-the voice from his home in the village Karkit Tchoo, 13 km from Kargil town, Basharat said that he was trying to get the collection of his poetry in Balti language published; he was looking for a means of subsidy. “It is a huge collection of my poems in Balti language; it highlights multiple facets of the language and culture divided by the Line of Control between India and Pakistan.”

The Balti language is spoken in the Gilgit-Baltistan region in the PoK and Kargil.

When the Awaz spoke to him last year, he was working on Aeena-e-Kargil (Reflections on Kargil), unfolding its history, geography, culture, writers and poets, the life of people, their dress, house, common food, following the religion of Islam, religious, social and political organizations.

His book, published this year, dwells upon the plight of the region during the Dogra rule, and also other ‘untouched issues in the post-Independence era’, he said. The 320-page book is a comprehensive account of the life and political issues the Balti-speaking people faced. His efforts in compiling details over more than 15 years have won him appreciation.

People are so impressed by Basharat’s achievements that a local poet Ashraf Ali Sagar, who is also the general secretary of the Association of Baltis in Himalayan Ladakh Territories of India, Kargil, composed a poem praising him. The poem is printed on the back side of the book. One couplet of the poem goes as follows:

“Kis Tarah Pur Soz Hai Tareekh-e-Kargil Kya Khabar

Yeh Basharat Teri Mehannat Ka Samar Honay Ko Hai”

(How vibrant is Kargil’s history, who knew; Basharat this is going to be fruitful for your hard work).

Akhone Asghar Ali Basharat (72), has not been to a school and he has no formal education. He learned Balti, Urdu, Persian, and Arabic languages from his father Sheikh Ghulam Hussain, who had set up a Madrasa in their home in 1972 and taught the children of the village for free.

Inspired by his father, he was attracted to learning, reading, and writing different languages.

His first anthology of Naat (in praise of Prophet Muhammad) and Manqabat (in praise of Allah) was published in the early eighties. His second publication, an anthology of poetry was published in 2002, followed by Waseelai Najaat, based on translations from Persian, which was published in prose form four years later, and, Bazme-Basharat including Naats, Manqabats, and poems on other issues got published in 2011.

Balti language is a Tibetan language spoken in parts of Kargil while it is the second largest language in the Gilgit-Baltistan area across the Line of Control (LoC). It is also spoken in parts of the Nubra Valley of Leh, Ladakh. Some of the Balti-speaking families from Kargil have also settled in the Tral area of Pulwama district in South Kashmir. There are 3.79 lakh Balti speakers in Pakistan, while the total Balti-speaking people in the world are estimated at 4.91 lakh.

The number of Balti speakers in India has shown a decline over the decades; today there are 13,774, Balti speakers in India, as per the 2011 census. It was around 20,053 in the 2001 census and 48,498 in 1981.

Akhon Asghar Ali Basharat gained popularity when he conducted regular Balti poetry shows on the AIR station of Kargil that took off in 1999. He became a regular participant in the local Urdu Mushairas and other cultural activities.

Basharat told a news portal that his father has been his inspiration. His father was the first published author from Kargil in the decade of 1980s.

“My father is my sole inspiration. He was a well-known social and religious activist. He had a huge collection of religious books. I sometimes feel writing is my inheritance and in my DNA.”

He says AIR Kargil station was of great help to people like him who live in remote areas. “My radio shows made me popular and encouraged me to write more. I am today because of AIR Kargil station.”

He says he fears that the Balti language may become extinct in Kargil. The fear of extinction is more because people across Ladakh tend to speak other languages and not their native ones to sound fashionable.

Bashart says to preserve language and culture, reading and writing books, and holding seminars and cultural programs must be encouraged.

He feels book writing should not be seen as a lucrative profession. “I feel book writing is not a lucrative profession. The author has to spend money to publish his book. Since the reader base is small the youth do not feel encouraged to write in regional languages. He has suggested that government must support writers of smaller languages.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Story / by Ehsan Fazili, Srinagar / January 07th, 2024