The journey of documenting 40 years of LNP legacy started when we first met Stanzin Gya (renowned film maker from Ladakh), he was so thrilled when we told him how we want our coming generation and the millennials to know LNP’s contribution in shaping the future of Ladakh since 70’s. Stanzin Gya, himself was one of the beneficiaries of the programs of LNP and was able to connect with every story we were we were sharing. He immediately agreed to come onboard and assist us in documenting the journey of LNP.

First few months was all about going through the old footage from the LNP archives. Our three researchers including me were onto it, day and night, making notes on whom to talk, where to go for the shooting etc. And, it was only after two months, we were ready with a foundation for the documentation. We had Radhika Kothari, Lobzang Wangtak, Dorjay Namgyal and many more who assisted us in structuring the film.

We set our voyage in the month of September 2020 to Trans- Singay La first. Covering the whole region where LNP has operated before, we first went to Lingshed, were we camped in the monastery. Next day the whole village came to meet the members of LNP team, the memes’ and abis’ brought their young ones to meet us.  The whole day there was buzz about the the good old days of how LNP came, the difficulties faced due to lack of connectivity. “They came on horses and face storms.”

Later, we went to Yulchungs- Nyeraks, a beautiful village perched on top of the mountain. We crossed Chocho Khuru la, where we met few women who were part of the LNP sponsorship programs. They spoke about how LNP team persuaded them for education especially for women and how it will help them in shaping their future and society. Many got emotional. That atmosphere of nostalgia made us teary eye as well. As we travelled with them through the lanes of memories,  they also spoke about the reluctance the parents first had of sending their children away for education.  “But it was all worth when we reach Leh, and when we joined the school,” recalled Thinles Dolma.

Next stop was Photoksar, crossing Ser-Ser la (passes), this village sits on the edge of a mountain. LNP worked here for the  Community Health worker (CHW) program. They laughed about being scared while coming for health-check-ups.  “The LNP team used to incentivize us with Thukpa (rice porridge), which was a luxury at that time and that too with vegetables in it,” remarked Skarma Dolma. LNP had also  hired a woman, who was well versed with women’s health issues, including around pregnancy as there was no medical centre in the village and Leh town was way too far for us. The recalled learning about basic hygiene practices, calculating the months of pregnancies, natural deliveries and many more.

Back in Leh, the senior LNP team after 4 days felt amused on how such a short time it took to cover three villages, whereas in the past, it would usually take a month or more.

We came back with not just footage of one of the most remote regions of Ladakh but also with a memory to cherish for the rest of our life. It proposed the possibilities of work we could do and continue for the people of Ladakh.

Padma Angmo Martselang, October, 2020.