With an aim to preserve the rich culture and language of Ladakh by inculcating interest amongst the students and teachers in Bhoti language, Pethub Khngtsen Education Society in collaboration with J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation (HCHF) and Ladakh Buddhist Association organised an inter school “essay writing competition in Bhoti Language cum half-day seminar” at Lamdon School, Sumoor, Nubra on 3rd May, 2014.

Around 44 students from 22 government and private schools from Nubra participated in the competition. The answer papers will be checked later by language experts from Pethub Khangtsen Education Society and other institutions on a roundtable and the prizes and certificates for the first, second and third position holders will be given during Buddha Jayanti Celebration at Polo ground Leh. The event was launched two years back as one of the methods to achieve preservation and development in Bhoti language.

The half-day seminar was presided over by Prof. Geshe Konchok Wangdu and attended by experts, Bhoti teachers and students from different schools of Nubra. Speaking on the occasion Prof. Geshe Konchok Wangdu said “it is important to preserve and promote our ancestral language because it not only defines our culture and gives us an identity but also helps us to lead a happy and disciplined life".

Geshe Chozang from Samstanling Gonpa while stressing importance of Bhoti language said “declining in language and literature is the obvious cause of declining in culture and heritage in our society”.

Dr Sonam Wangchok, founder/secretary, HCHF briefly discussed the difficulties faced by youths studying outside Ladakh because of not having basic traditional education, including once own language and literature.

He appeaed parents and teachers to impart at least basic education of one’s own religion, culture and language to the children before sending them away from Ladakh for higher studies. Gey Thupstan Takpa answered and explained several questions asked by teachers and students regarding grammar and pronunciations of Bhoti language. Kachen Lobzang Thupstan from Deskit Gonpa, Nurboo Tashi, President Lamdon Society, Sumoor and Principal, Lamdon School, Sumoor also addressed the audience.