Jammu, 23 August (H.S.): The Leh Literature Festival 2026, organised by the National Book Trust (NBT), India under Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Fire and Fury Corps of Indian Army, concluded successfully today at NDS Memorial Sports Complex, Leh, after a five-day celebration of books, ideas and Ladakhi culture. Indian Army theme for the festival was 'Indian Military History : Valour and Wisdom'. The festival brought together military leaders, veterans, authors, scholars, students and citizens of Ladakh in a spirited exchange of ideas and knowledge.

Over five days, the festival featured insightful conversations on military history, including sessions by Lieutenant General Satish Dua (Retired), Lieutenant General Devendra Pratap Pandey (Retired), Col Ajay Raina, SM (Retired) and other defence & civil experts.

The Festival also served as a vibrant platform for Ladakhi culture and youth engagement with a Book Fair & Daily Kids’ Activities such as creative writing, storytelling, art, theatre and other workshops. The event featured performances by the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre Band, Dashugs Band, Stenzin Shayan Star and the Ladakh Cultural & Traditional Society. The play ‘Life & Legacy of Late Tashi Rabgias’ by the Ladakh Theatre Organisation paid tribute to a stalwart of Ladakhi literature and culture.

During the Festival, the Indian Army established a grand Weapons & Equipment Display showcasing a wide range of modern military equipment and capabilities to the local population and students of the Ladakh region. The display provided an opportunity for the youth to gain first-hand exposure to the equipment and operational capabilities of the Indian Army, while also motivating and inspiring young men & women to consider a career in the Armed Forces and contribute towards nation building.

In a heartwarming gesture, Indian Army in collaboration with National Book Trust also distributed books to libraries of schools in remote villages of Ladakh to promote reading culture among school children.

On the conclusion of the Leh Literature Festival 2026, the Indian Army conveyed its sincere appreciation to the National Book Trust, all participating speakers, artists and cultural organizations and the citizens of Leh for their overwhelming support and participation. The festival reaffirmed the Indian Army's enduring commitment to community engagement, education and cultural preservation in Ladakh and is expected to become an annual fixture on the region's cultural calendar.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar