Diplomat Correspondent
Kargil: DD, A UT-level Quiz Competition was organized at Government Model Middle School, Shakkardoh, Chiktan under the supervision of the Education Department.
The occasion was graced by Secretary Education, IAS Bhanu Prabha, as the Chief Guest, while EC Education Zakir Hussain was the Guest of Honour.
Other dignitaries present included outgoing Director School Education Tsering Paldan, SDM Chiktan Ravi Shankar, CEO Education Sonam Wangchuk, Principal DIET S.D. Namgyal, Councillor Kacho Liaqat Ali Khan, and Zonal Education Officer.
On the sidelines of the programme, Secretary Education Bhanu Prabha inaugurated three major education facilities in Shakar–Chiktan.
These included the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Residential Hostel at Govt. Council Model Higher Secondary School, Shakar Kargil, the Residential Hostel at HSS Shakar, and the Govt. Council Model Middle School at Kukarchay.
She also inspected educational stalls prepared by students, showcasing toy-based pedagogy through models on shapes, numbers, states, and mind games, where she interacted with the children also. The event also featured cultural presentations by students.
Delivering her keynote address, Secretary Education Bhanu Prabha praised the Councillor and staff of HSS Shakar for their efforts to increase enrollment and lauded LAHDC’s commitment to strengthening Model Schools.
She stressed that while infrastructure is important, student performance is paramount. She urged parents to carefully monitor their children’s studies, support extra classes, and ensure academic discipline, adding that poor results are unacceptable.
She promised every possible support from the Education Department and directed officials to resolve problems at the CEO, SDM, and EC levels. She assured that if the school achieves a 100% pass percentage in Classes 10th and 12th, she will visit again.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also handed over to the principal to ensure accountability and progress.
In his remarks, Outgoing Director School Education Tsering Paldan underlined that no individual alone can transform education—it requires teamwork and dedication from the entire teaching community.
In his concluding speech, EC Education Zakir Hussain welcomed the new SDM of Chiktan and stressed the need to strengthen Higher Secondary Schools in Shakar, calling for qualified teachers and parental cooperation. He emphasized that the purpose of education is to empower children with knowledge and confidence.
The programme concluded with the announcement of quiz results, where Government Middle School Gonpa, Leh secured first position, followed by Government Middle School Shilikchay in second place, and Government Middle School Sabu in third place. Prizes were distributed among the winning teams, marking a proud moment for the participants.DD
