Earth Day 2026 celebrated with enthusiasm at Mahabodhi International School, Leh.

Earth Day 2026 celebrated with enthusiasm at Mahabodhi International School, Leh.
Leh, 22 April 2026: Earth Day 2026 was celebrated with great enthusiasm and environmental spirit at Mahabodhi International School, Leh, under the global theme “Our Power, Our Planet.” The programme was organized collaboratively by Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC), Save the Himalayas Foundation, and International Crane Foundation with the objective of inspiring young minds towards environmental responsibility and conservation of Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem.
The event brought together students from Mahabodhi International School and other key educational institutions of Ladakh who actively participated in a range of educational, creative, and awareness-based activities designed to promote environmental consciousness and youth leadership.
The programme featured a Students’ Symposium on the topic “Role of Youth in Environmental Protection,” where students shared insightful ideas and innovative solutions for a sustainable future. In the symposium, the First, Second and third prize was secured by Stanzin Zadol (Ladakh Public School), Stanzin Chuskit (Moravian Mission School) and Nawang Chanzin (Mahabodhi International School) respectively.
A lively Ladakh Wild Wisdom Quiz tested participants’ knowledge on Ladakh’s biodiversity, wildlife, high-altitude ecosystems, and iconic species such as the Black-necked Crane, Snow Leopard, and migratory birds. The 1st prize was claimed by team comprising Tsering Chosphel, Tasnim Amjid and Stanzing Gaphel from Delhi Public School. Whereas, the 2nd and 3rd prize was jointly shared by teams from Lamdon Model Sr Sec School (comprising Konchok Dorjay, Jigmat Lotus and Mipham Lanzes) & JNV Leh (comprising Jigmat Tsedup, Nilza Dolkar and Nilza Angmo) and Druk Padma Karpo (comprising Sonam Angmo, Ishey Ladol and Jigmet Nesdup) & Mahabodhi International Schools (comprising Tonzes Dolkar, Stanzin Tsetan and Tsephel) respectively.
Another major attraction of the celebration was the Drawing & Painting Competition titled “Painting a Bright Future for the Cranes of Ladakh,” where students expressed their creativity and concern for wildlife conservation through colourful and meaningful artworks. In this competition, the First Second and Third prizes were won by Dechen Angmo (Lamdon Model Sr Sec School), Nema Nurboo (Govt Boys Hr Sec School, Leh) and Tsewang (JNV Leh) respectively.
The event also included a plantation drive within the Mahabodhi campus, promoting hands on environmental stewardship among students.
Sh. Rajesh S. Kumar, IFS, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and distributed prizes among the winning students of various competitions. In his address, Sh. Rajesh S. Kumar appreciated the commendable efforts of Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, Save the Himalayas Foundation, and International Crane Foundation for their dedicated work in protecting the fragile natural heritage of Ladakh. He emphasized the importance of involving youth and educational institutions in conservation initiatives and called for collective action to safeguard Ladakh’s unique biodiversity and ecosystems.
Addressing the gathering, Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena, Founder Patron of Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, said that Earth Day is a reminder of humanity’s sacred responsibility to live in harmony with nature. He stated that Ladakh’s mountains, wetlands, wildlife, and traditional ecological wisdom are treasures that must be preserved through compassion, awareness, and collective effort. He further said that empowering children and youth with environmental values is the strongest investment for the future of the Himalayas.
Ven. Bhikkhu Sanghasena also reiterated that Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, together with Save the Himalayas Foundation and International Crane Foundation, remains fully committed to protecting Ladakh’s fragile ecology through active engagement with communities, students, institutions, and all key stakeholders.
The occasion was also graced by prominent documentary filmmaker Stanzin Gaya and eminent Historian Nawang Tsering Shakspo.
The programme concluded with prize distribution, plantation activities, and a collective pledge by students and participants to work for environmental protection and sustainable living. The Earth Day celebration successfully reflected the spirit of the 2026 theme by demonstrating that meaningful environmental change begins at the local level and that youth are powerful agents of change for a greener and healthier planet.