Ladakh emerging as knowledge hub of Himalayas: LG Kavinder
Shiksha Mahakumbh Abhiyan 2025
Excelsior Correspondent
MOHALI, Nov 2: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, today attended the Valedictory Session of the 5th Edition of the Shiksha Mahakumbh Abhiyan 2025 at the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), here, as the Chief Guest.
The event, themed “From Classroom to Society – Building a Healthier World through Education,” brought together eminent educationists, scientists, policymakers, and students from across India to deliberate on the transformative role of education in nation-building.
In his keynote address, Kavinder Gupta said that India’s civilisational strength lies in its eternal pursuit of knowledge and self-reliance. “Our rulers may have been enslaved, but the soul of Bharat never accepted subjugation. The spirit of Swadeshi – of building with our own hands and hearts – continues to guide the nation’s progress,” he remarked.
The Lt Governor praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership for ushering in a new era of educational reform through the National Education Policy (NEP 2020). “Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, India’s education system has evolved beyond textbooks. It now integrates technology, values, and skills – nurturing thinkers, innovators, and responsible citizens who will shape a Viksit Bharat,” he said.
Acknowledging the role of Vidya Bharti, Kavinder Gupta commended the consistent efforts of Vidya Bharati in instilling discipline, cultural values, and national pride among students. “Education must not only enlighten the mind but also awaken the moral conscience of the nation,” he said, urging educators to strengthen the bridge between learning and nation-building.
Reflecting on the transformation in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, the Lt Governor emphasised that education has become the most powerful tool to unite hearts and build hope. “There was a time when misguided voices tried to divide society, but today, the people have rejected those narratives. Education has replaced alienation with aspiration – it has become the agent of peace, empowerment, and progress,” he said.
Focusing on Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta said the Union Territory today stands as a model of inclusive and sustainable educational growth. “Inspired by the vision of Prime Minister Modi’s Viksit Bharat 2047, Ladakh has placed education at the centre of its development model. From early learning to higher education and skill development, our goal is to ensure quality and equity – whether in the valleys of Nubra or the plateaus of Changthang,” he stated.
He highlighted that Ladakh has emerged as a Fully Functionally Literate Region under the ULLAS (New India Literacy Programme) and now boasts a literacy rate of 97%, significantly above the national average. The establishment of the University of Ladakh has transformed the region into a hub of research, innovation, and cultural integration. More than 150 Smart Classrooms and 171 ICT Labs have been created across schools, while 36 PM SHRI Schools are being developed with state-of-the-art infrastructure and modern learning facilities.
Earlier, a report outlining the key takeaways and the roadmap for future editions of the Shiksha Mahakumbh was presented by Prof. (Dr.) Thakur S.K.R, Director, DHE.
The event also featured an award ceremony recognising outstanding educators, researchers, and student innovators for their exemplary contributions to the field of education Dilaram Chauhan, General Secretary, Vidya Bharti (North Zone), delivered the Keynote Address.
Bal Kishan, Joint Organising Secretary, Vidya Bharti, North Zone, said, “The Shiksha Mahakumbh has become a living example of collaboration between schools, universities, and society.”
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