The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), and with the support of Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies hosted a one-day awareness and engagement event today at the Rangers’ College, here. This initiative is part of the broader Gaj Utsav – Gaj Lok series, which seeks to highlight the ecological and cultural significance of elephants while fostering a deeper understanding of human–elephant coexistence.

Rooted in both tangible and intangible heritage, the collaboration with INTACH brings forward narratives of oral traditions, rituals, and indigenous practices that reflect long-standing relationships between communities and elephants. A key highlight of the day was the Bala Gaja session—a bespoke engagement designed for young learners. "Bala Gaja" (meaning children and elephants) focuses on nurturing early awareness and empathy by blending conservation education with creative expression. In alignment with INTACH’s emphasis on cultural heritage, the session connects traditional art forms with contemporary conservation messaging, encouraging children to explore the human–elephant relationship through hands-on experiences.

The Bala Gaja session will feature a series of interactive workshops: Origami by Kalyani Voletti, Head of Visual Arts at Suncity School, an accomplished art educator known for her contributions to visual arts education and curated student exhibitions. Gond Art by Japani Shyam, a distinguished contemporary artist and recipient of the Rajya Hasta Shilp Puraskar, recognised for her work in preserving and evolving Gond traditions.

Clay Modelling by Ashish Verma of Nature’s Buddy, where students will create elephant forms while learning about conservation. One of the major highlights of the event was a nukkad natak (street play) performed by the community of Jim Corbett Heritage Village, Kaladhungi, who have been working on the Fatepur - Gadgadiya corridor, which effectively portrayed the issue of human–elephant conflict and the need for harmonious coexistence. The performance used powerful storytelling and local narratives to connect with the audience and convey conservation messages in an accessible format. The students were given a guided tour by Anjali Bharthari, PhD, Co-convenor, INTACH, Uttarakhand, on the diverse exhibition on elephants, showcasing their ecological importance, cultural significance, and the challenges they face in the modern landscape.

Students had the opportunity to explore the role of elephants as keystone species and their deep-rooted presence in art, mythology, and traditions. The programme also included an open mic session, “Stories for the Wild", providing students a platform to express their perspectives through poetry, storytelling, and short talks inspired by wildlife and coexistence. These activities encouraged both creativity and cultural appreciation, linking conservation with indigenous art practices said Abhishek Rawat of the Nature Buddy Society working on elephant corridor of Thano with the schools and communities. Further enriching the programme were recitation sessions and storytelling segments centred on elephants. Overall, the Bal Mela under Gaj Utsav successfully created an immersive learning environment that combined education, culture, and creativity.

By engaging students through multiple mediums, the event contributed to building awareness, empathy, and a sense of responsibility towards elephants and their conservation said Saymanti Bandyopadhyay, Manager and Head, Natural Heritage Campaigns, Wildlife Trust of India who is leading this initiative with INTACH across the country. Students from Army Public School, Birpur, Brooklyn School, MKP, LDA Junior High School, AASRA trust, Universal Academy, Green Valley Public School, Doon International, Kasiga School and Doon Presidency attended the event. Neelima Sah, AIG Forest, Regional Office, Ministry of Environment and Forest & Climate Change, felicitated the student winners of the open mic event.

https://garhwalpost.in/awareness-event-held-in-doon-under-bal-gaj-utsav-series/, May 1, 2026

Vedakumar Manikonda, a noted heritage conservationist from Hyderabad, has been elected to the National Executive Committee of INTACH for a three-year term. Already a member of the Governing Council, his inclusion in the Executive Committee strengthens South India’s representation in national heritage initiatives.

Noted heritage conservationist from Hyderabad, Vedakumar Manikonda has been elected to the National Executive Committee of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). On Friday, at the INTACH Headquarters in New Delhi, Vedakumar Manikonda, who was recently elected to the Governing Council of INTACH for a three-year term (2026–2029), has now been further elected to the prestigious National Executive Committee of INTACH for a period of three years.

The announcement was made by INTACH Chairman Ashok Singh Thakur in the presence of Member Secretary Ravindra Singh (Retd. IAS officer). Vedakumar Manikonda is among the few from South India to be elected to the National Executive Committee of INTACH for a three-year term. The recognition highlights not only his individual contributions but also the growing representation and importance of South India in national heritage initiatives, a press release said.

With decades of service in the fields of cultural heritage, conservation, and academic engagement, Vedakumar Manikonda’s presence in the Executive Committee will strengthen INTACH’s mission and expand its outreach across the country.

https://telanganatoday.com/hyderabads-vedakumar-manikonda-elected-to-intachs-national-executive-committee, May 2, 2026

Young artists revive 500-year-old Mandi Kalam painting tradition. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Mandi Chapter, has organised a special event to unveil the Vikram Samvat 2083 calendar, showcasing the revival of the historic Mandi Kalam painting style. The calendar features artworks created by young artists trained under a six-month project aimed at preserving the centuries-old tradition. The initiative focused on reviving the 500-year-old Mandi Kalam art form to ensure it does not fade into obscurity.

Young artists including Vishakha, Saloni, Amit Gupta, Dimple, Suman Sharma and Sheela Devi were trained by noted Mandi Kalam expert Rajesh Kumar. The training, along with art materials, was supported by the INTACH Mandi Chapter. Mandi Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan, who unveiled the calendar, praised the artists for their efforts and stressed the importancse of preserving cultural heritage. He said the district administration would extend support to promote traditional art forms and encouraged youth to actively participate in advancing Mandi’s cultural legacy as a movement.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/intach-unveils-vikram-samvat-2083-calendar-in-mandi/, May 3, 2026

INTACH Jalandhar chapter organised a seminar at Kalyanpur village, which was dedicated to Dr Dalbag Singh Athwal, the renowned wheat scientist. The aim of seminar was to address pressing issues of Punjab like depletion of water level, increase in salinity of soil, diversification of crop pattern and improving the forest cover. Harpreet Singh Bal, INTACH Jalandhar chapter convener, mentioned, "We are making efforts to address these issues at the grass root level".

A talk was held on conservation of water and soil which urgently need to be addressed. It was delivered by Jaswinder Singh, Chief Agriculture Officer of Jalandhar. Diversification of crops to save water was covered by expert Damandeep Singh. Horticulture Development Officer Prince Kumar talked in detail about potato seeds and potato-related varieties. Maj Gen Balwinder Singh, Punjab State Convener, said, "We need to convince our farmers to go for alternative crops in a scientific way so that we are able to maintain balance of yield, quality and economic viability." He remembered Dr Athwal saying, "He was known for Kalyan Sona variety and his invaluable contribution to the Green Revolution.

He was an associate of Norman Borlaug, a renowned biologist and Nobel Laureate, with whom he had collaborated for the introduction of high-yielding dwarf varieties of wheat." Harpreet Singh Bal too recalled Dr Athwal's works, "Popularly known as father of wheat revolution, he was instrumental in developing 'PV 18' in 1966 and the most popular wheat variety 'Kalyan Sona' in 1967.

The University of Sydney conferred the degree of Doctor of Philosophy on him in 1955 for his contributions to agriculture and in 1964, he received Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, the highest Indian award in the science category. The Government of India awarded him the third highest civilian honour of the Padma Bhushan, in 1975, for his contributions to biological science. He is fondly remembered by his village as a hard and sincerest student, scientist and great human being."

https://m.dailyhunt.in/news/india/english/the+tribune-epaper-thetribt/intach+pays+tribute+to+father+of+wheat+revolution+dr+athwal-newsid-n708137965, May 4, 2026

The Department of Punjabi, Central University of Punjab, in collaboration with INTACH Punjab Chapter and INTACH Bathinda Chapter, organized a one-day national seminar on April 24, 2026. The seminar, titled "Teachings and Martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji: Universal Relevance," was held as part of a series of events commemorating the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. The seminar was conducted under the patronage of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari. The keynote address was delivered by distinguished Punjabi scholar Dr. Manmohan Singh, Professor of Eminence at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar and former IPS officer.

The special lecture was delivered by Prof. Paramvir Singh of the Sikh Encyclopaedia Department, Punjabi University, Patiala. Major General (Retd.) Balwinder Singh, Convener of INTACH Punjab Chapter, and Sh. Kanwar Bhim Singh, Convener of INTACH Bathinda Chapter, graced the occasion as special guests. The academic sessions were chaired by Prof. Dr. Satnam Singh Jassal (former Head, Punjabi University Regional Centre, Bathinda), Prof. Rajinder Singh (Punjabi Department, Regional Centre, Bathinda), and Prof. Naresh Kumar (Head, Department of Punjabi and Dogri, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala), who also evaluated the research papers presented during the seminar. The inaugural session was presided over by Prof. Ramakrishna Wusirika, Dean (Academic Affairs) of the University.

In his keynote address, Dr. Manmohan Singh delineated the historical evolution of the concept of martyrdom and highlighted the distinctive nature of the sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. He observed that the martyrdom was not merely religious in character but also possessed significant political and economic dimensions. It was undertaken to uphold the right of others to practice their faith and to respond to the religious intolerance of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. He further emphasized the necessity of critically re-examining Sikh history beyond colonial interpretations and shared important insights regarding the Sikh martyrs who laid down their lives alongside the Guru. In his special address, Prof. Paramvir Singh offered a concise exposition of the teachings of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, noting that the Guru exemplified in practice the principles articulated in his Bani.

He stated that the Guru imparted a sense of fearlessness and liberated people from the fear of death, thereby instilling a consciousness of dignified living. He further remarked that the seeds of the creation of the Khalsa were inherent in the Guru's martyrdom. Major General (Retd.) Balwinder Singh elaborated upon the objectives of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), underscoring the importance of preserving historical sites associated with Sikh heritage and promoting Sikh philosophy. He stressed the need to create greater awareness among the younger generation regarding the rich cultural heritage of India and the universal relevance of the teachings and sacrifices of the Sikh Gurus. In his presidential address, Prof. Ramakrishna Wusirika commended the Department of Punjabi for organizing the seminar and informed the audience about the proposed establishment of the Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Centre for Studies in Indic Civilization and Religious Studies at the University. The Centre proposes to introduce postgraduate programmes such as M.A. in Religious Studies and M.A. in Civilization Studies from the forthcoming academic session.

The seminar received more than 70 registrations, and selected research papers were presented across three academic sessions. The presentations examined diverse aspects of the life, teachings, and martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. In his remarks, Prof. Satnam Singh Jassal discussed the historic journey of Bhai Jaita Ji in carrying the sacred head of the Guru to Kiratpur Sahib. Prof. Rajinder Singh highlighted the unparalleled nature of the Guru's martyrdom, describing it as a seminal moment in the history of human rights. During the third, online session, Prof. Naresh Kumar advised researchers to strengthen their scholarly work through rigorous use of references and evidence.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by the Head of the Department, Dr. Amandeep Singh, followed by an introduction to the seminar by Prof. Ramanpreet Kaur. The proceedings were conducted by Dr. Sarabjit Singh. Assistant Professors Dr. Satpreet Singh Jassal and Gurpreet Kaur proposed the vote of thanks. Research scholars and students of the Department of Punjabi actively contributed to the successful organization of the event. Faculty members, researchers, and students from various departments of the University, along with participants from nearby colleges and universities and members of INTACH Bathinda, were present on the occasion.

https://m.dailyhunt.in/news/india/english/5+dariya+news+english-epaper-dariyaen/national+seminar+dedicated+to+sri+guru+tegh+bahadur+ji+organized+at+central+university+of+punjab+in+collaboration+with+intach-newsid-n709930009, May 7, 2026

Archaeological Survey of India's (ASI's) epigraphy division has decoded a 5th century CE Sanskrit inscription in Brahmi characters on a seal from Pakistan, identifying it as belonging to a Saiva temple dedicated to Svami Kotesvara at Devadaruvana, the forest of Himalayan cedar trees. ASI epigraphy wing head K Muniratnam Reddy said the inscription, incised on the seal, reads: "Devadaruvane Svami Kotesvarah." The seal was shared with ASI by Francoise Mandeville of Hong Kong.

According to the ASI epigraphy division, the seal could be regarded as the oldest inscriptional and artistic depiction of the legend of Siva roaming in the Devadaru forest as described in the Skandapurana. The finding adds to a set of Pakistan-origin inscriptions decoded by ASI epigraphy division in recent months. In 2024, the division decoded a 4th century CE Sanskrit inscription in Brahmi script from outside Gilgit in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Muniratnam Reddy translated it as referring to Pushpasingha installing a Mahesvaralinga for the merit of his guru, whose name was partly lost. Around five months before the Gilgit finding, ASI had also decoded a fragmentary 10th century CE inscription on a slab found near Peshawar. Reddy said it was in Sanskrit using Sharada characters and appeared to refer to Buddhist Dharani chants, with the sixth line mentioning "Da Dha rini".

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/archaeological-survey-of-india-decodes-5th-century-seal-from-pakistan/articleshowprint/130556993.cms, May 8, 2026

World Heritage Day 2026 was celebrated with great enthusiasm and intellectual engagement in Leh under the theme "Ancient Art, Modern Challenges: Safeguarding Petroglyphs and Shaping Tourism Circuits in Ladakh." The day-long programme was organised by the Department of Tourism & Culture, Union Territory of Ladakh, in collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Mini Circle Leh, and the Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation (HCHF), Ladakh.

On the occasion, the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena' laid the foundation stone for India's first Petroglyph Conservation Park at Sindhu Ghat, on the banks of the Indus River in Leh.

The park is envisaged as a dedicated conservation and interpretation space for Ladakh's centuries-old rock carvings (petroglyphs), many of which are facing threats from unregulated tourism, infrastructure development, climate stress, and lack of awareness. Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor described petroglyphs as "open-air museums" and "civilisations carved on stone," representing an unbroken record of human history from prehistoric times to later historic and Buddhist periods. He emphasised that the conservation of ancient heritage must be treated as an ethical responsibility and integrated into development planning.

He also highlighted Ladakh’s status as a repository of ancient heritage, hosting one of South and Central Asia’s most extensive collections of prehistoric rock art. On the occasion, the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh first inaugurated the Ladakh Rock Art Photo Exhibition at The Zen Hotel, Leh, showcasing visual documentation of Ladakh’s rich prehistoric and historic rock art heritage.

He also released the Ladakh Rock Art Handbook, which comprehensively documents the region’s diverse archaeological legacy and ongoing research on petroglyphs. Following the inauguration of the exhibition, the one‑day workshop titled “ANCIENT ART, MODERN CHALLENGES: Safeguarding Petroglyphs and Shaping Tourism Circuits in Ladakh” formally commenced at the same venue with academic sessions and technical deliberations.

Subsequently, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, UT Ladakh, and the Archaeological Survey of India, aimed at strengthening institutional collaboration and joint interventions for the long‑term preservation and conservation of Ladakh’s heritage for future generations.
ACADEMIC & TECHNICAL SESSIONS
The one-day workshop featured a series of academic and technical sessions, bringing together eminent archaeologists, scientists, anthropologists, and heritage professionals to deliberate on Ladakh’s prehistoric rock art, its cultural significance, and the challenges of conservation in modern times.

Session I: Marks of Time – Journey into Prehistory and Rock Art of Ladakh
Speaker 1: Shri Janhwij Sharma, Additional Director General, Archaeological Survey of India
Topic: Bridging Traditional Wisdom and Scientific Approaches in Petroglyph Conservation
Shri Janhwij Sharma provided a comprehensive orientation on petroglyphs, outlining their archaeological importance and increasing vulnerabilities. He emphasised the urgent need for scientifically grounded conservation protocols and detailed systematic steps for effective preservation. He also highlighted the importance of integrating traditional wisdom and community knowledge with modern archaeological conservation practices.
Speaker 2: Prof. Tashi Ldawa, Associate Professor, Zoology Department, Government EJM College, Leh
Topic: Rock Art of Ladakh: Distribution and Status
Prof. Tashi Ldawa spoke on rock art as an integral part of the Ladakhi landscape, explaining the vast scale and geographic spread of petroglyph sites across the region. He highlighted the significance of rock art as both a cultural and ecological archive and elaborated on major challenges related to documentation, environmental exposure, and long-term preservation.

Speaker 3: Dr. Niraj Rai, Head – Ancient DNA Research, Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Lucknow
Topic: Rock Art as Evidence of Early Human Presence and Prehistoric Cultural Traditions
Dr. Niraj Rai presented archaeogenetic perspectives on early human presence in Ladakh. His presentation covered modern human evolution, DNA ancestry, genetic diversity among Indian populations, and the genetic history of Kargil and the Aryan Valley. He highlighted Ladakh’s complex genetic admixture, reflecting Tibetan, North Indian, and Central Asian influences over the past three millennia.

Moderator: Dr. Nandini Bhattacharya Sahoo, Joint Director General (Archaeology), ASI, who summarised the discussions and contextualised the scientific insights presented during the session.
Session II: Contours of Change - Rock Art from Early Historic to Post-Tibetan Ladakh

Speaker 1: Dr. Nandini Bhattacharya Sahoo, Joint Director General (Archaeology), ASI Topic: Rock Art: A General Viewpoint
Dr. Nandini Bhattacharya Sahoo discussed rock art from a broader archaeological perspective, focusing on dating techniques such as patination studies, weathering analysis, and microerosion methods. Drawing comparative references from sites like the Gawilgarh Hills, she explained the methodological challenges involved in dating rock art and stressed the necessity of interdisciplinary research.

Speaker 2: Shri Viraf Mehta, Anthropologist
Topic: Rock Art of Ladakh: Archaeological and Cultural Significance Shri Viraf Mehta traced the history of rock art research in Ladakh and emphasised that many sites remain undiscovered. He shared insights from his early fieldwork, underlining Ladakh’s distinction as the only Union Territory in India richly endowed with rock art and petroglyphs. He stressed the importance of exploring transnational cultural linkages to better understand prehistoric exchanges and migration routes.
Moderator: Prof. Tashi Ldawa, who summarised the session and underscored the need for extensive documentation and sustained academic engagement.
Session III: Sacred Imprints – Early Buddhist Expressions in Rock Art
Speaker 1: Shri Gulzar Hussain, Assistant Professor, Government Degree College, Kargil
Topic: Heritage of Ladakh: Between Tradition and Modernity
Shri Gulzar Hussain highlighted that while Ladakh is often perceived as timeless, it is undergoing rapid transformation. He described heritage as a dynamic process shaped by development, tourism, and globalization, and discussed how cultural traditions adapt within modern life while maintaining identity and continuity.

Speaker 2: Dr. Sonam Spalzin, Archaeological Survey of India, Leh
Topic: Interpretation of Buddhist Symbols and Motifs in Rock Art
Dr. Sonam Spalzin discussed the evolution of petroglyph studies in Ladakh, focusing on dating methods, pre-Buddhist cultural layers, the influence of Buddhism, and the continuity of motifs into later Buddhist art traditions. She highlighted the role of ancient trade routes in cultural exchange and outlined key threats to these sacred expressions.

Moderator: Dr. Dileep, Assistant Professor, Rock Art Division, IGNCA, New Delhi, who synthesised the discussions and placed them within a broader national and international framework.

Session IV: Challenges, Opportunities & Solutions
Speaker 1: Dr. Sonam Wangchuk, Founder, Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation
Topic: Challenges of Heritage Conservation in Ladakh
Dr. Sonam Wangchuk spoke on the complex challenges of heritage conservation in Ladakh, emphasising community participation, pressures from development and modernization, restoration practices lacking conservation norms, absence of clear guidelines, and the need for emergency response mechanisms for living heritage in contexts of conflict and natural disasters.

Speaker 2: Dr. Richa Negi, Head of Department, Rock Art Division, IGNCA
Topic: Learning from Global Research: Best Practices and Adaptable Models for Ladakh
Dr. Richa Negi shared IGNCA’s global research experiences and collaborations, highlighting field documentation of rock art sites in Ladakh. She discussed natural deterioration processes and human-induced factors contributing to conservation and preservation challenges, stressing the importance of adaptable, context-specific models.

Speaker 3: Dr. Meenakshi Dubey Pathak, Expert Member, ICOMOS
Topic: Ibex and Beliefs in Ladakh Petroglyphs
Dr. Meenakshi Dubey Pathak presented a forward-looking vision for the conservation of rock art, with a special focus on the symbolic and cultural significance of the ibex in Ladakh’s petroglyphs. Emphasising that rock art is increasingly at risk, she underlined the need for a structured and holistic conservation approach. In this context, she outlined the four pillars of rock art conservation policy and practice, namely: fostering public and political awareness, establishing effective management systems, ensuring robust physical and cultural conservation practices, and promoting active community involvement with shared benefits, stressing that sustainable preservation can only be achieved through the active participation of local communities alongside institutional support.

OPEN HOUSE SESSION:
DELIBERATIONS AND WAY FORWARD
The programme concluded with an Open House Session, which witnessed active participation from community members, scholars, students, and institutional representatives.
The session provided an interactive platform for dialogue on the preservation of Ladakh's rock art and broader heritage assets. Participants raised key concerns regarding the need for clear preservation policies, legal mechanisms to address vandalism and destruction of heritage sites, financial and technical support for villages, inclusion of local languages in heritage outreach programmes, protection of remote and lesser-known heritage corridors, education and curriculum reforms, and the importance of treating heritage conservation as a year-round responsibility rather than a one-day observance.

The Open House Session was moderated by Shri Sanjit Rodrigues, IAS, Administrative Secretary, Tourism and Culture, UT Ladakh, along with Shri Janhwij Sharma, Additional Director General, Archaeological Survey of India, and Dr. Sonam Wangchuk, Founder, Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation, who collectively responded to the queries and observations raised during the discussion.

Responding to the deliberations, Shri Sanjit Rodrigues, IAS, stated that the workshop should be viewed not as a race but as a padyatra, a long collective journey that requires time, commitment, and sustained collaboration. He emphasised that a comprehensive heritage conservation roadmap would be prepared and published soon in consultation with all stakeholders and partner institutions. He also highlighted the need for gradual and sustained awareness-building, requesting the speakers to submit concise synopses of their presentations for wider dissemination.

Shri Rodrigues informed that Ladakh Heritage Guidelines and Rules would soon be formulated and placed in the public domain for community consultation, addressing the present lack of a formal regulatory framework. He further announced that Kumuk village is proposed to be declared Ladakh’s first Heritage Village, following the local community’s commitment to eco-sensitive practices, including avoiding cement in construction and adopting a car-free village model. Addressing the forum, Shri Janhwij Sharma, Additional Director General, ASI, stated that all stakeholders had gathered with a shared long-term vision for heritage protection.

He stressed the importance of a clear division of responsibilities between the Archaeological Survey of India and the UT Administration for the protection and management of heritage sites. He underscored that communities must play a central role by cordoning off vulnerable sites, installing signage, and taking ownership of preservation initiatives. Clarifying regulatory aspects, he noted that minor construction for basic amenities such as water facilities is permissible near ASI-protected sites, subject to official permission. Dr. Sonam Wangchuk, Founder of the Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation, addressed the youth and emphasised their crucial role as future custodians of Ladakh’s heritage.

He assured that more such workshops and outreach programmes would be organised in the future, particularly in local languages, to ensure wider community understanding and participation. The World Heritage Day 2026 celebrations concluded with a shared commitment from institutions, experts, and communities to safeguard Ladakh’s ancient art through collaboration, awareness, community participation, and sustainable planning, ensuring that this priceless cultural legacy is preserved for generations to come.

https://ladakh.gov.in/world-heritage-day-2026-celebrated-in-leh-with-scholarly-focus-on-safeguarding-ladakhs-ancient-rock-art/, May 12, 2026