Diplomat Correspondent
Leh:DD, Deputy Chairman, LAHDC Leh, Tsering Angchuk, inaugurated the new school building of Government Middle School Gonpa today on the occasion of Teachers’ Day, celebrated alongside Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. School Management Committee (SMC) members and parents expressed heartfelt gratitude for the gift of additional classrooms on this special day, emphasizing the community’s commitment to education and holistic learning.
The Guest of Honour was Stanzin Tsepak, Councillor Upper Leh, and the Special Guest was Bhanu Prabha IAS, Administrative Secretary, Higher Education, UT Ladakh.
Also present at the event were Padma Deachen, ZEO Leh; Chamba Standar, ZEPO Leh; Tsering Wangmo, Headmistress, Govt. Middle School Gonpa; Madam Yangdol, HOD DIET Leh; members of the 17000 ft Foundation; Goba members and villagers; VEC Tsewang Rinchen and SMC members; parents; teachers; and students.
The program began with lamp lighting and a welcome speech by SMC Chairman, Shri Tsewang Rinchen, who expressed gratitude to the LAHDC Leh, sponsors, and the local community for their support.
He highlighted the Council’s assurance of a school bus and urged for the school’s upgrade to a high school.
Headmistress, Tsering Wangmo, also acknowledged the collective efforts that have made the school a model of community-driven progress.
ZEO Leh, Padma Deachen, noted the reopening of the school after 15 years as a remarkable example of community effort, while Administrative Secretary, Higher Education, UT Ladakh, Bhanu Prabha IAS, emphasized sustaining enrolment and community involvement.
Parents’ representatives and the Gonpa Village Goba also shared their appreciation for the school’s achievements.
During the event, supportive parents and dedicated teachers were felicitated for their unwavering contribution to the school’s growth and the students’ overall development.
The celebration included cultural performances under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, with a Tamil Nadu dance by teachers and stalls showcasing Tamil Nadu’s food and traditions. Students and dignitaries also joined in a Teachers’ Day cake-cutting ceremony, while a special session on Tithi Bhojan under PM POSHAN highlighted the importance of community bonding.
Councillor Upper Leh, Stanzin Tsepak, in his address, extended warm Teachers’ Day greetings and commended the school community for its achievements.
He highlighted the school’s journey from years of closure to its revival as a Council Model School, made possible by the joint efforts of villagers, teachers, and the Council.
He said that with over 50 students enrolled today, Gonpa School is setting an example for the entire region.
Delivering his address, Deputy Chairman, Tsering Angchuk, congratulated the teachers on the occasion of Teachers’ Day and lauded the students for their excellent performance, including securing first position at the UT-level quiz competition. He recalled how, since the beginning of its tenure, LAHDC Leh has placed emphasis on community participation in education, which has become the driving force behind the revival of schools like Gonpa.
He assured that the Council will extend both financial and infrastructural support, committing to provide a school bus, upgrade the school into a high school, and introduce facilities such as language labs, educational paintings in classrooms, and improved learning spaces.
He further stated that schools such as Gonpa, revived through the collective efforts of teachers, parents, NGOs, and the community, serve as inspiring examples for the entire Union Territory of Ladakh.
He emphasized that the Council will continue to prioritize strengthening rural schools to ensure that every child has access to quality education close to home.
The Deputy Chairman also expressed gratitude to the sponsors, teachers, and community leaders for their dedication, assuring that the Council will soon complete pending projects to further enhance the learning environment in the entire region.DD
