Mohali: 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), Mohali, as the Chief Guest.
Pertinent to mention that the third and final day of Shiksha Mahakumbh 2025 concluded at NIPER Mohali with powerful reflections on the theme “Bharat @ 2047,” envisioning India’s educational roadmap for the centenary of independence.
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.
“Ladakh’s vision is to become the Knowledge Hub of the Himalayas — where modern science blends with traditional wisdom, and education remains rooted in sustainability, identity, and human values,” he added.
Concluding his address, the Lt Governor asserted that India’s education model offers a path to global harmony and sustainable development. “Our mission is to nurture generations who are technologically skilled, environmentally conscious, and spiritually grounded. Through education, we are shaping capable citizens and safeguarding the unity and integrity of our great nation,” he remarked.
The Lt Governor said, “Education is the foundation of a self-reliant and prosperous Bharat. The Bharat of 2047 will be defined by the minds we nurture today. Let’s education be the force that bridges our glorious heritage with a luminous future.”
Kavinder Gupta congratulated Vidya Bharati and the organisers of the Shiksha Mahakumbh Abhiyan for their tireless efforts to promote a dialogue between knowledge, culture, and national service, reaffirming Ladakh’s full commitment to the Prime Minister’s vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas.
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.”
Prof. Dulal Panda, Director, NIPER Mohali, shared his three-day experience of hosting the Shiksha Mahakumbh. He said that as India envisions Bharat @ 2047, academia must lead with scientific rigour, interdisciplinary collaboration, and societal relevance. He emphasised that the true purpose of education is to transform knowledge into impact.
Prof. Pawan Kumar Singh also spoke on the occasion.
The event was concluded with the symbolic handover of the Shiksha Mahakumbh baton from NIPER Mohali to NIT Hamirpur, which will be the host institute for Shiksha Mahakumbh 2026, marking the continuation of this educational movement.
