A new era in learning: Ladakh inaugurates first PM eVIDYA academic film studio

By Reach Ladakh Correspondent Leh, Sep 23, 2024
Leh :

Ladakh’s first PM eVIDYA Academic Film Studio was officially inaugurated at the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Leh, marking a transformative moment for the region's educational landscape.

The launch of this studio promises to enhance learning experiences and promote innovative teaching methods. It represents a major advancement in educational resources, empowering both educators and students and ushering in a new era of creativity in Ladakh.

Chairman/CEC Adv. Tashi Gyalson served as the chief guest, with Dy. Chairman Tsering Angchuk as the guest of honor. Other notable attendees included filmmaker and producer Jitendra Mishra, wellness mentor Larra Shah, Director of School Education Ladakh Tsering Paldan, along with Principals, Headmasters, ZEOs, and students from various schools.

Shweta Parakh, Founder & Director of Purple People Labs, led the tour of the acoustically designed studio, offering insights into its layout and sharing her vision for upcoming expert talk shows.

The PM eVIDYA initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Education, India, aims to provide free, high-quality educational content to 250 million schoolchildren nationwide. With more than 200 dedicated DTH channels, the program ensures that even the most remote areas have access to grade-specific learning resources. Five channels have been allocated to Ladakh, facilitating the creation of educational content tailored to the region’s unique needs and languages.

Dy. Chairman Tsering Angchuk emphasized the significance of the studio for the local community, stating, “This studio is not merely a facility; it is a platform that empowers students to harness their creativity and showcase their talents. We are committed to amplifying local voices and ensuring that education meets the unique needs of our region.” His remarks highlighted the studio’s role in enabling students to explore filmmaking and storytelling as powerful educational tools.

CEC Tashi Gyalson expressed gratitude to the team behind the establishment of the studio and thanked Jitendra Mishra and Larra Shah for their presence and inspiration. He noted that the completion of the studio marks a substantial achievement for the PM eVIDYA initiative and the allocation of five channels to Ladakh. Gyalson underscored that the studio will serve as a vital platform for students to share their stories and showcase their talents, providing a space where young voices can be heard and appreciated.

Gyalson further highlighted the opportunities that have emerged since Ladakh became a Union Territory, seeing the studio as part of a new era of growth and development in the region. He conveyed optimism for the future, believing that initiatives like this will greatly benefit Ladakh’s students and communities.

Jitendra Mishra expressed his excitement about connecting with the community, and outlining future projects aimed at enhancing creativity and collaboration. He emphasized his commitment to fostering innovation and the positive impact these initiatives will have on local talent and the industry.

Larra Shah shared her insights on the importance of storytelling in education, stating, “Empowering children to share their own stories is crucial for fostering confidence and creativity. This initiative will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on our students and their communities. By allowing them to express themselves through film, we are opening doors to new opportunities.”

Over the next 18 months, Purple People Labs will collaborate with newly trained teachers and students to co-produce curriculum-based content. Eventually, full operations will transition to the local team under the guidance of the LAHDC.

This inauguration is not only a significant milestone for Ladakh but also aligns with the broader mission of PM eVIDYA to blend education with entertainment. By empowering local voices and fostering storytelling, the project aims to create a richer, more inclusive educational environment where every child can access high-quality learning experiences.

The PM eVIDYA Academic Film Studio offers hope and opportunity for Ladakh’s students, enabling them to engage with their education in creative and innovative ways. This landmark initiative is poised to contribute to a brighter future for the region, ensuring that every child can realize their full potential through the power of education.