DIET Leh organises District-Level Herbal Medicinal Plants Competition under NCERT’s National Population Education Programme.

DIET Leh organises District-Level Herbal Medicinal Plants Competition under NCERT’s National Population Education Programme.
Leh, October 10, 2026: The District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Leh, organised a District-Level Herbal Medicinal Plants Competition under the theme “Traditional Herbal Knowledge of Ladakh” as part of the National Population Education Programme (NPEP) of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). The initiative aimed to promote awareness among students about Ladakh’s rich medicinal plant diversity, traditional herbal knowledge, and the importance of biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability.
The competition provided a platform for students from Government Higher Secondary Schools to showcase their knowledge of medicinal plants, their traditional uses, and their significance in preserving Ladakh’s cultural and ecological heritage.
The programme was organised under the guidance of Sh. S. D. Namgail, Principal, DIET Leh, with the support of Sh. Mirza Mehdi, the Vice Principal, DIET Leh, Ms. Tsering Yangdol, HOD, DIET Leh and the organising team.
Dr. Tsewang Rinchen, Ph.D. in Biotechnology, National Institute of Sowa Rigpa (NISR), Leh, Ladakh, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and Judge. His expertise and association with traditional medicine added valuable insight to the programme and encouraged students to
appreciate the importance of indigenous herbal knowledge.
The programme commenced with a warm welcome, followed by the traditional presentation of a Khatak to the Chief Guest by the Principal, DIET Leh, as a gesture of respect and Ladakhi hospitality.
The participating students presented their knowledge of medicinal plants and their traditional significance. Following the evaluation by the judge, the results were announced, and the winners were felicitated.
Winners of the Competition
First Position: Govt. Higher secondary school, Tangtse
Second Position: Govt. Model Higher Secondary School Boys Leh.
Third Position: Govt. Higher Secondary School Saspol.
The programme was moderated by Ms. Chetna Sharma, Senior Lecturer, DIET Leh, who conducted the proceedings and highlighted the importance of preserving traditional herbal knowledge and promoting environmental awareness among students.
DIET Leh congratulated the winners and appreciated all participants, teachers, and
participating schools for their enthusiasm and efforts. The institution emphasised that activities conducted under the National Population Education Programme help develop awareness among students about environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, responsible use of natural resources, and the preservation of indigenous knowledge.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the Chief Guest and Judge, participating schools, teachers, students, and the organising team for their valuable contributions to the successful conduct of the event.