Kargil, Jan 27 (KNO): Tsultrim Chonjor, 79, from Ladakh, who was awarded Padma Shri on the 72nd Republic Day wants to see his home region Zanskar having better road connectivity besides the overall development of the region.
Tsultrim Chonjor was awarded by the Government of India in the social work category for his tremendous efforts to mitigate the sufferings of his native people.
Chonjor, who belongs to Stongday village of Zanskar in Kargil district is known for the construction of the road between Padum to Darcha by himself after he sold all his belongings and brought JCB earthmovers to ensure road construction.
Famously known as Meme Chonjor, he alone at the cost of Rs 57 lakh constructed 38 km long road from Ramjak on J&K to Kargyak in Zanskar region.
In an exclusive chat with news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Tsultrim Chonjor said that he took the project to mitigate the suffering of his people.
"There were no roads constructed post India's independence in our area, forcing people to cross the frozen river at Lunak. Everyone was made to pay a huge amount of fair charges besides travelling for a couple of days towards Himachal or some other place within Ladakh region," Chonjor said.
Chonjor said that he had no information about his nomination for the Padma Shri awardees, but believe that it is the recognization of the amount of work that was put in for the welfare of people.
"People have appreciated my work. But for me, the real award is if the better roads are constructed in Zanskar. There is some happiness in receiving this award. I have played my part and I hope to see Zanskar to grow more," he said.
Chonjor extended special thanks to the CEC Kargil, EC, SDM, and others who ensured his nomination for the Padma Shri awards on the occasion of Republic Day celebrations.
Besides two from Jammu and Kashmir, Tsultrim Chonjor in the social work category from Ladakh is among the 102 people that were awarded Padma Shri on the eve of the 72nd Republic Day celebrations by the Government of India—(KNO)