Leh, 11th December 2024: The School Education Department of UT Ladakh organized a UT-level Bhartiya Basha Utsav at DIET Leh today, with a focus on promoting the rich linguistic heritage of the region. The event was graced by Principal Secretary for School Education, Sh. Sanjeev Khirwar IAS, as the Chief Guest. Other distinguished guests included Smt. Bhanu Prabha, IAS, Secretary for School and Higher Education, UT Ladakh, Sh. Tsering Paldan JKAS, Director School Education, UT Ladakh, Dr. Thupstan Nurbo, Editor Bhoti Language, Cultural Officer Leh, S D Namgail, CEO Kargil, Sonam Wangcuk, CEO Leh, Smt. Sayeeda Bano, Principal DIET Kargil and Smt. Deldan Angmo, Principal DIET Leh. The event saw an active participation of principals from various Higher Secondary Schools, headmasters from multiple High Schools, and students from HSS Boys Leh and HSS Girls Leh schools. The CEO Leh began the event by delivering the welcome address, followed by Dr. Thupstan Nurbo, who spoke about the significance of the Bhoti language in Ladakh. Dr. Nurbo discussed the rich history, origin, and importance of the Bhoti language, emphasizing its preservation and promotion alongside modern languages. Drawing a parallel, he emphasized on the process of learning both local and global languages to that of a bird flying gracefully with the balance of both wings. He urged students to take an active role in preserving their mother tongue and cultural heritage.Students from both Boys and Girls Higher Secondary Schools Leh shared their insights on the importance of language. Padma Yangdol from the Girls School discussed the significance of languages in Indian culture. Gonbo Dorjay from Boys HSS Leh highlighted the importance of the Bhoti language and the Bhasha Utsav, while Mehvish Jahan from HSS Girls Leh emphasized the importance of the mother tongue. Additionally, Tsering Nurbo from HSS Boys Leh recited a beautiful poem in Bhoti, underscoring the value of the language.In his concluding remarks, the Chief Guest, Sh. Sanjeev Khirwar, praised the students for their insightful speeches. He remarked that India’s cultural and linguistic diversity is a treasure, and Ladakh, too, is home to a rich linguistic heritage that must be preserved while respecting and learning other languages. He also assured the participants that experts from outside Ladakh would be invited to deliver talks on the subject, and Bhoti language experts would be sent to other regions to further promote the language.The event served as a significant step in raising awareness about the importance of language preservation, particularly Bhoti, in the context of Ladakh’s unique cultural identity.The event was concluded with the vote of thanks delivered by the Principal DIET Leh Smt. Deldan Angmo and with a high tea in this prevailing minus weather of Ladakh.