The School Education Department of UT Ladakh organized a UT-level Bhartiya Bhasha Utsav at DIET Leh on December 11, highlighting the region’s rich linguistic heritage and promoting the preservation of local languages.

The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Chief Guest, Sanjeev Khirwar, Principal Secretary for School Education. Other notable guests included Bhanu Prabha, Secretary for School and Higher Education; Tsering Paldan, Director of School Education; Dr. Thupstan Nurbo, Editor of Bhoti Language; Cultural Officer Leh S.D. Namgail; CEO Kargil; Sonam Wangcuk, CEO Leh; Sayeeda Bano, Principal of DIET Kargil; and Deldan Angmo, Principal of DIET Leh.

The program witnessed active participation from principals of Higher Secondary Schools, headmasters of High Schools, and students from HSS Boys Leh and HSS Girls Leh.

The event commenced with a welcome address by CEO Leh, followed by a presentation by Dr. Thupstan Nurbo on the significance of the Bhoti language in Ladakh. Dr. Nurbo delved into its historical origins and emphasized the need for its preservation alongside the promotion of modern languages. Using the metaphor of a bird flying with two balanced wings, he highlighted the importance of learning both local and global languages. He also urged students to take pride in preserving their mother tongue and cultural heritage.

Students from HSS Boys Leh and HSS Girls Leh contributed meaningfully to the event. Padma Yangdol from HSS Girls Leh spoke about the significance of languages in Indian culture, while Gonbo Dorjay from HSS Boys Leh reflected on the importance of the Bhoti language and the essence of the Bhasha Utsav. Mehvish Jahan from HSS Girls Leh emphasized the importance of the mother tongue, and Tsering Nurbo from HSS Boys Leh recited a poignant poem in Bhoti, underscoring its cultural value.

In his closing remarks, the Chief Guest, Sanjeev Khirwar, commended the students for their insightful contributions. He remarked on India’s linguistic and cultural diversity, calling it a national treasure, and noted that Ladakh’s unique heritage must be preserved while embracing the learning of other languages. He announced plans to invite language experts from outside Ladakh for knowledge sharing and to send Bhoti language specialists to other regions for further promotion.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Principal DIET Leh, Deldan Angmo, followed by high tea, providing warmth amidst Ladakh’s freezing temperatures.

This celebration marked a significant step towards raising awareness about the importance of language preservation, particularly Bhoti, as a vital aspect of Ladakh’s cultural identity.