Q. Jullay! Congratulations on receiving the state award under Teaching and Academics! Briefly tell us about you and from where did you pursue your educational degrees?

Thank you and Jullay! I am Dr Konchok Dorjey from Wanla village, located about 120 km from Leh city. I spent my childhood in the village, assisting my parents with farming and livestock rearing.

I completed my primary education at Government High School Wanla. From 6th to 10th standard, I studied at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) Leh, followed by my higher education at JNV Pathankot, Punjab. I earned bachelor’s degree in science from GGM Science College Jammu, and master’s degree in Botany from the Department of Botany, University of Jammu. During my master’s program, I qualified for the National Eligibility Test (NET) twice and was awarded CSIR-JRF (Junior Research Fellowship) in Life-science. Subsequently, I completed my doctorate (Ph.D.) in Botany from the University of Jammu in the year 2015.

In 2017, I was selected  as an Assistant Professor in the Higher Education Department. Since then, I have served at several colleges, including Women’s College Sopore, Kashmir, and Eliezer Joldan Memorial College Leh. Currently, I am serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Botany at Govt. Degree College Nubra. With over seven years of experience teaching undergraduate students, I am committed to guiding and inspiring them with my knowledge and passion for botany and plant sciences.

Q. How many books and research papers have you published so far, and how many of them are related to Ladakh?

I have published one book, 16 research papers in various national and international journals, and nine articles in magazines and newspapers.
My book, Plants of Ladakh – A Photographic Guide, published in 2021, is a comprehensive, full-color photographic guide featuring more than 200 plant species, including medicinal, edible, and fodder plants. It serves as an essential resource for students, teachers, tourists, and anyone interested in the rich botanical diversity of Ladakh.

My research publications focus on various aspects of high-altitude wild mushrooms and flora that hold immense ecological, medicinal, culinary, and socio-cultural significance in Ladakh. Recognizing my pioneering work in fungal diversity and ethnobotany, I was honored with the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Award for Scientific Excellence – 2020 and the InSc Award for Research Excellence – 2020 in 2021.

Q. Alongside Botany, your studies extend to Mycology as well. Can you explain what a mycologist does and highlight your research in this field?

Mycologists study fungi, including yeasts, molds, and mushrooms. Their work involves exploring fungal taxonomy, structure, physiology, growth, and interactions with the environment, as well as understanding both the beneficial and harmful roles fungi play in ecosystems.
I have conducted pioneering research on the mushroom diversity of Ladakh, focusing on fungal taxonomy, diversity, and ethnomycology. I am the first mycologist from Ladakh to initiate systematic research on high-altitude fungal diversity, with a particular emphasis on the mushroom species of the Ladakh Trans-Himalaya. During my doctoral research, I discovered and documented 70 fungal species that were reported for the first time from the Ladakh region.

Q. Tell us about your paper “Mushroom folklore in Ladakh: Myths and Beliefs surrounding wild mushrooms” which was selected for presentation at 18th Colloquium of International Association for Ladakh Studies in Poland.

My paper presents a pioneering ethnomycological study on wild mushrooms in Ladakh, exploring how perceptions of fungi have evolved within Ladakhi society. It examines the cultural and folkloric significance of mushrooms, shedding light on how they have been traditionally utilized or avoided.

The study delves into indigenous beliefs, superstitions, myths, and folk traditions surrounding mushrooms in Ladakh. It highlights the region’s folk taxonomy of mushrooms, as well as supernatural myths, social beliefs, and taboos associated with them. Additionally, the paper discusses the ethnomedicinal use of mushrooms, their role as good omens, and the presence of naturally occurring mushroom-shaped rock formations in the region.

Field photographs of important mushroom species were also included to provide a visual reference.

Q. You qualified NET twice in a year. What advice would you like to pass to students preparing for it?

Clearing National Eligibility Test (NET) requires a dedicated and strategic approach, consistent study and concept clearance in general aptitude and the concerned subject. Students should focus on understanding the basic concepts rather than memorizing, prepare self-written notes and flowcharts and most importantly practice and revision required atleast 2-3 month before the exam.

Q. Besides teaching, how do you contribute to the intellectual and academic environment of the college community?

I took the initiative to establish the Mushroom Cultivation Centre at EJM College, Leh, in 2021 with limited resources. This center, the first of its kind at the college, focuses on oyster mushroom cultivation, providing students with job-oriented and skill-based education in sustainable farming.

To enhance teaching and learning about plant sciences, I introduced a unique herbarium concept called the "Wall of Herbarium" at EJM College. This initiative simplifies plant taxonomy and identification by displaying dry plant samples preserved and illustrated on walls, making botanical studies more accessible and engaging for students.

I have also organized various workshops and seminars to foster a strong academic and research culture within the college. Recently, I organized a National Seminar on ‘Himalayan Medicinal Plants – Present and Future Prospects’ from October 26-28, 2024, at EJM College, Leh. Funded by NMPB, Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, the seminar played a crucial role in enhancing awareness, research, and conservation efforts related to medicinal plants in the Ladakh Himalaya.

Beyond academics, I have been actively involved in the development of the college, serving as a convener and member of several key committees. As Programme Officer (PO) of the National Service Scheme (NSS), I have led various community service initiatives, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under my guidance, Padma Angmo, an NSS student of EJM College, made history by representing Ladakh for the first time at the Republic Day Parade 2020 in New Delhi.

Through these initiatives, I strive to contribute to the academic excellence, skill development, and community engagement of the college and its students.

Q. During research studies, what are the plants found in Ladakh that are rare and beneficial but undermined?

My research on plants focuses on the conservation of threatened species, exploring their potential medicinal uses and understanding plant folklore, traditional practices and the relationship between plants and people in Ladakh and the Himalayas.

I believe that every plant species growing in the mountains of Ladakh is rare and beneficial to both our ecology and economy. At present, most potential plants remain underutilized, except for a few well-known ones like seabuckthorn. Take, for example, the Black Goji Berry (Lycium ruthenicum), locally called Khi-tser, a medicinal plant found abundantly in Nubra Valley. The plant bears darkly pigmented black berries known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anticancer, anti-diabetic, radiation injury protection and immune-modulating properties, offering immense health benefits.

However, this plant is yet to be fully explored and commercialized. Similarly, many other medicinal plants remain undervalued and need further research and utilization.

Q. Many plants are considered threatened in Ladakh. What are the key strategies used in plant conservation to protect the threatened plant species. 

Yes, many plants and trees in Ladakh are highly threatened due to overexploitation, habitat destruction and climate change. For instance, medicinal herbs such as the Himalayan Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza hatagirea), Aconite (Aconitum heterophyllum), Ratanjot (Arnebia euchroma), Himalayan Mayapple (Podophyllum hexandrum), and Himalayan Blue Poppy (Meconopsis aculeata) are endangered or critically endangered due to excessive uprooting and overexploitation for medicinal use. Similarly, tree species like Juniper (Juniperus sp.) and Himalayan Birch (Betula utilis) are highly threatened due to overharvesting for timber and religious purposes.

Conventionally, there are two major strategies for plant conservation: In-Situ Conservation – Preserving plants within their natural habitat by establishing protected areas such as national parks and biosphere reserves. Ex-Situ Conservation – Conserving plants outside their natural habitat by cultivating them in botanical gardens and nurseries, as well as preserving them through seed banks and cryopreservation.

However, the protection and conservation of plants and trees is the responsibility of every one of us in the society. Every individual can contribute to plant conservation in many ways, like planting trees, gardening and farming, protecting plants and supporting organizations working on conservation. Protect plants for our food, medicine and shelter, and air we breathe. As I often say, “If we protect plants today, plants will protect us tomorrow.”

Message to the readers
“Education is more than degrees—it is about knowledge, wisdom, and critical thinking. Work hard, stay committed, and no challenge will be too great.
As a nature lover and conservationist, I urge everyone to protect Ladakh’s unique flora and fragile ecosystem. By embracing sustainable practices and respecting traditional wisdom, we can create a better future for Ladakh.”