Queen of Ladakh, Gyalmo Deskit Wangmo, Laid to Rest with Full State Honors in Leh
Remembering Queen Gyalmo Deskit Wangmo, Pioneer and Cultural Icon of Ladakh
LEH, Nov 10: Gyalmo Deskit Wangmo, also known as Rani Parvati Devi, the revered Queen of Ladakh, was laid to rest today with full state honors at Stok. She passed away on November 5 at the Royal Palace in Stok, Leh, at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy woven deeply into the cultural and social fabric of Ladakh.
Gyalmo Deskit Wangmo served as a Member of Parliament in the 6th Lok Sabha, representing the Ladakh constituency from 1977 to 1980. She remains the only woman from Ladakh elected as an MP, marking a milestone in the region’s political history and paving the way for women’s leadership.
The solemn cremation ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Tashi Gyalson, Chairman of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Leh, and Ravi Thakur, former Himachal Pradesh MLA, alongside members of the royal family, and many prominent figures from Leh and Lahaul-Spiti. Earlier, LAHDC conducted a condolence meeting to honor her memory and reflect on her lifelong commitment to the welfare of Ladakh’s people. The council acknowledged her legacy of resilience, compassion, and dedication, which has left an indelible impact on Ladakh’s society.
“Elected as Ladakh’s first woman Member of Parliament in 1977, Gyalmo Deskit Wangmo was a pioneering figure,” LAHDC stated in tribute. “Her courage, vision, and leadership were instrumental in advancing social and political progress for Ladakh, particularly for women, and her contributions will inspire generations to come.”
Born on May 1, 1934, at Khangsar Palace in Lahaul, Gyalmo Deskit Wangmo belonged to the esteemed Royal House of Khangsar. She married Kunzang Namgyal, the King of Ladakh, in 1950, becoming a steadfast partner in efforts toward the region’s growth and development.
Beyond her political achievements, she championed social causes, notably serving as Convener of the Welfare Extension Project in Leh from 1958. Through this role, she focused on initiatives that uplifted Ladakhi communities economically and socially. Her involvement as a founding member of the Namgyal Institute of Research on Ladakhi Art and Culture (NIRLAC) demonstrated her deep commitment to preserving Ladakh’s rich cultural heritage. She was also instrumental in bringing the Save the Children Fund to Ladakh, highlighting her devotion to supporting the region’s vulnerable populations.
Condolences poured in from Ladakhi leaders across society, expressing sympathy to Raja Jigmet Wangchuk Namgyal, Rani Sarla Chhewang, Rani Rinchen Wangmo, Raja Karma Konchok Namgyal, and all members of the royal family. Her passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy of selfless service and dedication to Ladakh’s people and culture will endure.
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