India’s 1st Community Museum Inaugurated in Gya-Sasoma villages, Leh, Ladakh.

Why in news?

• Tashi Gyaltson, Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, LAHDC, Leh inaugurated the Community Museum in Gya – Sasoma villages of Leh district in Ladakh. This is a first of its kind museum in India.
• The Community Museum is a joint collaboration between National Museum Institute(NMI), New Delhi, Delhi and Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council(LAHDC), Leh, Ladakh.
• The Museum aims to preserve and take forward the rich cultural heritage of the region.
• Gya-Sasoma villagers in Leh have contributed to a variety of articles and collections to establish the Community Museum in traditional Ladakhi house.
• Along with the villagers, women associations of the villages, Department of Museology NMI and LAHDC, Leh has participated in the establishment of the community Museum.
  • Gya, situated on the Leh-Manali National Highway, is the first village and oldest inhabitation in Upper Ladakh.

Features of the Museum

• The traditional house, where the Museum is established has several architectural spaces and features.
• The museum features several traditional utility items, textiles, dresses and the antiquities of the day-to-day life of Gya-Sasoma.