VoL Desk, April 04, 2022: After LAHDC Leh decided to celebrate “Bhoti Language Day”, the day was observed across Leh. The Eliezer Joldan Memorial (EJM) College, Government Degree College (GDC), Nubra, District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Leh, and Schools in Khaltse sub-division celebrated the day on April 4 this year, informed press release by DIPR Leh.

The Department of Philosophy, Eliezer Joldan Memorial (EJM) College celebrated the day presided by the newly appointed Principal, EJM College, Professor Samina Iqbal where she urged the students to use local language while interacting and asked them to learn and use their own rich language that forms the identity and root of all other cultural aspects.

At GDC Nubra, the Seminar and Debate Committee observed Bhoti Language Day where Stanzin Lhaskhyabs was the guest speaker for the programme. The guest speaker, Stanzin Lhaskyab virtually joined the programme. He spoke about the importance of the Bhoti language and its history. He informed that the Bhoti language is spoken across a vast region of the Trans Himalaya from Baltistan, Ladakh to the far east of Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh, besides Pakistan, Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal.

* Click to Follow Voice of Ladakh on WhatsApp *

The Bhoti script ‘Yige’, he mentioned, was invented in the 7th century AD by Thonmi Sambhotta under the guidance and sponsorship of the then King of Tibet sRongtsen sGampo. He stressed how one’s language represents one’s culture and identity. Hence Bhoti represents, according to him, the rich cultural identity and heritage of the people of Ladakh. He also highlighted the scope of the Bhoti language.

At DIET, Leh Member of Parliament, Ladakh, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal was the chief guest of the occasion. Other eminent scholars of the local language, such as Ven Thupstan Palden; Former Assistant Commissioner, Tsewang Dorjey; Senior Editor, Cultural Academy, Leh, Dr Thupstan Norboo; Former, Principal, Government Higher Secondary School Baima, Tsering Dorjey were also present.

Moreover, “Bhoti Language Day” was celebrated in the Government Higher Secondary School, Khaltse, and Government Middle School, Khaltse also. Similarly, the Bhoti Language Day was celebrated in Government High School, Wanla, and Government High School, Lamayuru of the Khaltse sub-division.  The Principals, Teachers, Staff, and students wholeheartedly participated in the “Bhoti language Day” celebrations held at different schools. The students participated in the writing contest, Poem writing, and Speech competitions organised to celebrate the Bhoti language day. (With inputs from DIPR Leh)