Dear Shannon,
I agree with most of what you say. I will add that here in India, we're especially sensitive to "western" influences (having a history of colonial rule), and even access to Wikipedia may be considered by some as a form of cultural imperialism.
Anyway, I won't get much into that except to say that you raise very valid points. I hope that when Mikko publishes a follow up blog post, then he will look into these things.
In the context of the Ladakh deployment, we are working with cultural organizations there and have them collaborate and share media which they create. Share, not initially with the world (that comes later), but with each other - for starters, and hope to provide a platform for the same and fan out from there.
Same is the case for the other deployments in India I am involved in.
Lastly, it is so nice to meet a fellow Ladakh admirer/lover. It is a truly wonderful place, with incredible people, kindness and warmth :-)