JTN hails Pradhan’s educational legacy, highlights transformative initiatives for Ladakh

Former MP credits outgoing Union Education Minister with landmark reforms, including Sindhu Central University, Bhoti language inclusion and strengthening higher education in UT

LEH: Former Member of Parliament from Ladakh Jamyang Tsering Namgyal (JTN) has expressed profound gratitude to outgoing Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, describing his tenure as a transformative period for India’s education sector and crediting him with spearheading several landmark initiatives that significantly advanced educational development in Ladakh.

In a detailed Facebook post shared as Pradhan concluded his tenure as Union Minister of Education, JTN lauded his leadership, vision and commitment to educational reforms, stating that his contributions would leave a lasting impact on both the nation and the Union Territory of Ladakh.

Calling Dharmendra Pradhan “a compassionate statesman” who remained deeply connected to the aspirations of India’s youth, the former MP said the Minister’s tenure witnessed far-reaching reforms that made education more inclusive, innovative, accessible and future-oriented under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“For the people of Ladakh, Dharmendra Pradhan’s contribution extends far beyond policy decisions,” Namgyal wrote, recalling that during the formative years of the Union Territory, the Minister consistently responded to Ladakh’s educational aspirations with “patience, sincerity and decisive action.”

Among the most significant achievements highlighted in the post was the establishment of the Sindhu Central University in Ladakh, which JTN described as one of the most historic and cherished gifts to the region. He said the university fulfilled a long-standing aspiration of the people and would emerge as a premier centre for higher learning, research and innovation across the Himalayan region while contributing to nation-building.

The former MP also acknowledged Pradhan’s support in extending the University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations to the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS), Leh, enabling it to function as a deemed-to-be university under the UGC framework. According to Namgyal, the decision has opened new academic opportunities for students, researchers and faculty while strengthening one of India’s premier institutions dedicated to Buddhist and Himalayan studies.

JTN further noted that the former Education Minister played an instrumental role in strengthening the University of Ladakh, expanding higher education infrastructure through the establishment of new Government Degree Colleges and supporting several initiatives aimed at broadening educational opportunities for the youth of the Union Territory.

Describing the inclusion of the Bhoti language in the CBSE curriculum as one of the most historic and emotionally significant decisions during Pradhan’s tenure, Namgyal also highlighted the approval of 246 Bhoti Language Teacher posts for government schools in Ladakh under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, following his request.

He said the decision went beyond educational reform and represented a lasting commitment to preserving Ladakh’s linguistic heritage, safeguarding its cultural identity and ensuring that future generations remain connected to the rich civilisational legacy of the Himalayas. “The people of Ladakh will forever remain grateful for this historic contribution,” he wrote.

Expressing gratitude on behalf of the people of Ladakh, JTN said Pradhan had consistently treated the region’s aspirations as his own and extended unwavering support, encouragement and personal guidance for strengthening the Union Territory’s education sector.

Reflecting on the Minister’s legacy, the former MP remarked that his contributions would be remembered not only through institutions established and reforms introduced, but also through the countless dreams he helped nurture, the opportunities he created and the confidence he inspired among millions of young Indians.

As Dharmendra Pradhan embarks on a new chapter of public service, Namgyal wished him good health and continued success, expressing confidence that he would continue serving the nation with the same dedication, humility and integrity that marked his tenure as Union Education Minister.

The post underscores the significance of educational reforms undertaken in recent years for Ladakh, particularly in higher education, language preservation and institutional development, which have collectively strengthened the Union Territory’s academic landscape and expanded opportunities for its youth.