Shachukul Hosts 5th Edition of Education and Culture Exchange
Leh, Aug 25: “Education in Ladakh must embrace both our cultural wisdom and the realities of the modern world,” Councillor Konchok Stanzin remarked while inaugurating the 5th edition of the Ethical & Educational Exchange Programme at Shachukul Monastery on Monday. His words captured the essence of the week-long initiative, which seeks to bring monastic traditions into dialogue with contemporary learning.
Running from August 25 to 31, the programme gathers more than 40 young monks and 15 resource persons from across India. The sessions focus on integrating traditional wellness practices, reviving cultural knowledge, adopting creative art-based approaches, and cultivating sensitivity to Ladakh’s present-day challenges.
First launched in 2021, the exchange has been hosted in Thiksay, Shachukul, and Disket monasteries over the years, steadily evolving as a platform for bridging pedagogy with heritage. Organisers highlight that the insights gained from past editions have already shaped the contours of a curriculum designed to reflect Ladakh’s unique identity while responding to educational needs of the future.
This year’s gathering drew eminent figures including Venerable Konchok Gyltsen, principal architect of Shachukul Gonpa; Geshe Kalsang Tashi of Thiksey Monastery; and Kachen Lobzang Chamba of Disket Monastery. Also present were educators and resource persons such as Jigmet Dorjay, Headmaster of Shachukul Gonpa School, alongside scholars and practitioners from across the country.
The programme is guided by the ethical and environmental vision of His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche, the intellectual emphasis of the Nalanda tradition championed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and the sustained commitment to education shown by His Eminence Thiksey Rinpoche.
Through a blend of dialogue, workshops, and creative exercises, participants aim to design meaningful content for schools in Ladakh — a curriculum that preserves the region’s cultural soul while preparing students to navigate contemporary realities.
