In line with the vision of national leadership to develop remote areas, the Indian Navy has launched a comprehensive outreach program dedicated to strengthening ties with the Union Territory of Ladakh. This initiative aims to foster greater participation of Ladakhi youth in the Defence Services, promote nation-building, and enhance maritime consciousness in the region. Admiral R. Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, will host various outreach activities in Leh on July 6 and 7, 2023. Building on the successful engagement in the North East last year, the Indian Navy continues its commitment to reaching diverse regions across the country.
The outreach events in Ladakh include a public band performance by the Naval Band, a friendly football match between the Indian Navy and the Ladakh UT Team, flagging off a Bike and Car Expedition, and visits to local schools. These activities aim to strengthen connections with the community, encourage mutual understanding, and inspire Ladakhi youth to consider careers in the Indian Navy while actively participating in the nation-building process.
During his visit to Leh, Admiral R. Hari Kumar will pay his respects on behalf of the Indian Navy by laying a wreath at the War Memorial and meeting with the Honourable Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Leh and Ladakh, Brig (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd). A special Naval Band Concert called ‘Sargam’ by the Indian Naval Band at the Sindhu Sanskriti Kendra on July 6, 2023, will be hosted by Admiral R. Hari Kumar, with the LG as the Chief Guest.
On July 7, 2023, a friendly football match between the Navy Team and the Ladakh team will take place at the Spituk Football Stadium, witnessed by Admiral R. Hari Kumar as the chief host and the LG as the chief guest. The LG will also flag off the Motorcycle and Car Expeditions on their return leg to Delhi and Visakhapatnam, respectively. Additionally, Admiral R. Hari Kumar and the President of the Naval Wives Welfare Association (NWWA), Smt Kala Hari Kumar, will visit and interact with students and faculty at Lamdon Sr Sec School.
The Motorcycle and Car Expeditions, comprising 107 participants including Naval Personnel from Ladakh and 20 women, commenced on June 15 and 22, 2023, from Delhi and Visakhapatnam, respectively. During their journey, they have actively engaged with over 3000 students from various schools and colleges across the Ladakh region, fostering camaraderie and sharing their experiences.
During the return leg from Leh, covering a total distance of over 5000 km each, the expedition participants will continue to interact with students at various schools, as well as veterans and the local population. Naval personnel from Ladakh domicile stationed at various naval stations are actively participating in these events, sharing their enriching experiences and success stories to encourage youth to contribute to nation-building and take pride in joining the Indian Navy to serve the nation.
