Druk Padma School in collaboration with Key Foundation New Delhi celebrated two day ‘Earth Day’ at their school premises on 21 and 22 April. During the event His Eminence Skyabje Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche, Chairman DPKS and IFS, Chief Conservator Wildlife Jigmet Takpa was the chief guest and S.M. Fizani Representative Key Foundation was the guest of honor. Deputy Chairperson DPKS Dr. Namgial and Stanzin Kunzang, Principal DPKS was also present at the occasion.

Twelve schools from Leh, two schools from Delhi and one school from Faridabad Haryana participated in quiz competition, essay writing and drawing competition.

Jigmet Takpa while addressing the gathering said that this day reminds us how we have destroyed the earth and also recognize ways to protect it from further destruction. “Only earth fulfills all the criteria for human survival. If earth gets polluted then it is very difficult for us o survive. We must not go beyond the carrying capacity of earth. It is estimated that within this century Carbon dioxide concentration will increase beyond 390 to 400ppm which means that earth’s temperature would increase by 2 degree Celsius”, he said.

He further added that Ladakh has been a witness to many disasters like 2004 flood in Nimoo, 2010 flash floods in Leh, 2013 unprecedented snowfall in Changthang that affected many livestocks, 2014 glacial lake outburst in Gya Meru. He said that we all need to monitor these and keep our environment clean and play a vital role in preserving mother earth.

Jigmet Lazes, School Head girl talked about the responsibility of young generation in preserving mother earth. She said, “We all as children community must shoulder the responsibility to help the creator save his creation ‘earth’. Each one of us can contribute by voicing our opinion to safeguard the planet. It is the wake-up call for all the humans to preserve and save our earth.”

She also requested all the students to work together and make earth a better place to live in. She suggested bringing lunch in lunch boxes rather than in plastic covers.

Terming earth day as World’s Birthday, S. M. Fezani said that there cannot be a better place than Leh to celebrate earth day as it is one of the clean towns in India. He also briefed about the workings of Key Foundation.
Stanzin Kunzang, Principal DPKS appealed all the students to be participants in the true sense and make the best out of it. She on behalf of the school thanked Key Foundation New Delhi for collaborating with them for this event.
During the event a panel discussion by Padmashree Tsewang Norphel; Dr. Tsering Stobdan, Scientist DIHAR; Dr. Dorje Angchuk Scientist DIHAR; Mohd Iqbal, President PAGIR and Stanzin Kunzang Principal DPKS spoke on the topic ‘Needs for a Clean Earth and Green Earth.’  All the speakers threw light on the causes of pollution and suggested ways to overcome them. All the students actively participated in the discussion and also raised various questions.
During the event, everyone pledged to value the generosity of mother earth and create heaven on earth and towards being awakened citizens of clean and green earth.  

The students also participated in a peaceful rally for two miles within Shey to create awareness among the masses about the importance of clean environment. At the end, prizes were distributed among the winners and participating students.