LEH: Vice-President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan on Saturday visited the Hall of Fame War Memorial, Sindhu Ghat, a Pashmina Goat Farm at Upshi and the first rock check dam on the Sindhu River as part of the second day of his official visit to Ladakh.
He was accompanied by Vinai Kumar Saxena.
At the Hall of Fame War Memorial in Leh, the Vice-President paid homage to soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces and praised their commitment to the nation. He described the spirit of “Nation First: Always and Every Time” as a source of inspiration for citizens and appreciated the Indian Army for preserving the legacy of courage, valour and sacrifice through the memorial.
He also visited galleries depicting operations during the Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars and said they stand as enduring testimonies to the dedication and heroism of the Armed Forces.
Later, at Sindhu Ghat, the Vice-President offered prayers on the banks of the Indus River and described the river as a timeless symbol of India’s civilisational heritage and cultural unity.
During his visit to the Pashmina Goat Farm at Upshi, he was briefed on efforts to preserve and promote Ladakh’s Pashmina heritage. He noted that the Changthangi Goat and the world-renowned Pashmina produced from it reflect the rich traditions and ingenuity of the people of Ladakh.
The Vice-President commended the farm’s contribution to sustainable livestock management and socio-economic empowerment, particularly of women involved in Pashmina production and related activities. He also appreciated the efforts of scientists, staff and local stakeholders in strengthening rural livelihoods and preserving a valuable national asset.
At Upshi, he inspected the first rock check dam on the Sindhu River constructed under the Sindhu Jal Samriddhi Abhiyan. Describing it as an innovative, eco-friendly and cost-effective intervention, he said the project helps augment water levels in shallow stretches of the river, enabling farmers to irrigate their fields during the critical sowing season.
He praised the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena for conceptualising and spearheading the initiative and said such sustainable measures can strengthen water security, support agriculture and contribute to long-term regional development.
Later, the Vice-President interacted with personnel of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police 5th Battalion in Ladakh and commended their dedication, professionalism and commitment to safeguarding the nation’s frontiers under challenging conditions.
The Vice-President is on a three-day official visit to Ladakh from June 19 to 21 and is scheduled to participate in International Day of Yoga 2026 celebrations on June 21.
