Union Minister of State for Education and External Affairs, Dr Rajkumar Ranjan Singh visited Ladakh and felicitated the national award-winning teachers – Sonam Gyalson, Headmaster, Middle School Taknak, Leh (2020) and Mohammad Ali Akhone, Teacher, Middle School, Karith, Kargil (2021) on September 27.

The awardee teacher shared their experiences and achievements in improving the learning of the students in Ladakh which made them eligible for the prestigious award.

Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh also felicitated the national-level winners of Kala Utsav – Maqsooma Bano, Govt. High School, Kaksar and Tsering Kunsal, Lamdon Model Senior Secondary School, Leh. Maqsooma Bano has won second place in Visual art while Tsering Kunsal holds third position in instrument traditional folk in all India level competition.
The event was organised by the Department of School Education, UT Ladakh.

Dr Singh stressed the need to use human resources to their optimum level and emphasized infrastructural development to transform the education system. Ladakh is doing extremely well, however added quality and equality is required for further strengthening of Ladakh’s education system.

 Lieutenant Governor RK Mathur expressed hope that the award-winning teachers will become examples for the teaching fraternity of Ladakh and the entire nation.

 “They have proved that more than what one learns, it is more important how one learns. The teaching methodology adopted and the innovations brought about in imparting education can give birth to innumerable changes for the success of our students,” stated LG Mathur.
While expressing gratitude to the Minister for his presence on the occasion, LG Mathur highlighted the essence of the National Education Policy which stresses adopting a holistic approach to education.

He apprised the MoS of the initiatives being taken by the UT Administration for the development of the education sector of Ladakh while requesting help in addressing challenges arising due to Ladakh’s weather and unique conditions. “While our students and teachers are bright and dedicated, we are yet to achieve the expected results and UT Administration is making all possible interventions to achieve the desired goal,” stated LG Mathur.
He requested support in CBSE affiliation for all schools at the earliest and the establishment of more central schools in Ladakh.

Director, School Education, Dr Safdar Ali gave a detailed presentation on the intervention being made by the department, Ladakh Vision 2050, the targets and indicators, budget, the five-year action plan for school education, the budget allocated for school education 2021-22, the challenges and issues of the education sector in Ladakh, NEP/PLA, Padhna Likhna Abhiyan (PLA), action taken to tackle the loss of access to quality education during the COVID-19 pandemic through YounTab Scheme and community classes, and training and capacity-building exercises to the teachers.

Commissioner Secretary Ajeet Kumar Sahu and EC, LAHDC Leh, Stanzin Chosphel also spoke on the occasion.

Advisor Umang Narula, Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Shrikant Balasaheb Suse and other district officials were present during the event.