Leh, 18 January (H.S.): The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta today inaugurated the exhibition “Between Wind and Wool: Ladakh Design Today” at the Innovation Gallery, National Crafts Museum & Hastakala Academy, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
The exhibition features works by leading Ladakhi designers including 2112 Saldon; Jigmat Norbu and Jigmat Wangmo (Jigmat Couture); Padma Yangchan (Namza Couture); and Zilzom by Stanzin Palmo.
Their creations range from sculptural installations and ceremonial garments to ritual objects and handwoven wool and Pashmina ensembles, reflecting Ladakh’s deep spiritual, environmental and material connections.
Adding a compelling visual dimension are landscape portraits by Gautam Kalra (Creative Direction & Styling) and Hormis Anthony Tharakan (Visual Direction & Photography), which place Ladakhi garments against the region’s dramatic terrain, reinforcing the dialogue between land, climate and design.
Speaking on the occasion, the LG said such exhibitions play a vital role not only in preserving and revitalising traditional textiles but also in safeguarding the entire spectrum of Ladakh’s cultural heritage, including indigenous knowledge systems, craftsmanship, rituals, lifestyles and community practices.
Gupta emphasised the need to organise more such exhibitions at national and international levels to showcase Ladakh’s unique textile heritage.
Highlighting the theme, the LG said “Between Wind and Wool” reflects Ladakh’s philosophy of balancing extreme climatic challenges with innovation and warmth derived from wool, a balance that continues to inspire its design sensibilities.
He underlined the global significance of Ladakhi Pashmina, describing it as not just a luxury fabric but a unique natural gift of Ladakh’s Changthang region, produced under extreme minus 20-degree and sub-zero climatic conditions.
Gupta also highlighted the Ladakh Administration’s initiatives in skill development and capacity building, aimed at equipping local youth with traditional Pashmina skills alongside modern design, quality control, branding and marketing expertise.
These efforts, he said, are intended to create sustainable livelihoods and ensure that Ladakh’s heritage becomes a source of opportunity and self-reliance for future generations.
The guest of honour was Amrita Raj, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts).
Curated by Sunil Sethi with support from the FDCI team, the exhibition presents Ladakhi textiles as living, evolving practices.
The exhibition will remain open to the public until the end of March 2026.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar
