The District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Leh, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, on July 20 inaugurated a two-day Science and Mathematics Kit Distribution and Orientation Programme at Islamia Public High School, Leh. The initiative aims to strengthen experiential and activity-based learning in schools across the Union Territory of Ladakh.

The inaugural session was graced by Secretary, School Education Department, UT Ladakh, Bhanu Prabha (IAS) as the chief guest. The programme was attended by Principal DIET Leh, S.D. Namgail; Head of Department, DIET Leh, Tsering Yangdol; Vice Principal, Islamia Public High School, Leh, Ishey Dolker; officials from the School Education Department; the IISER Pune resource team, including Mohamed Taqee, Technical Officer and Ladakh Coordinator, and Pankaj Yadav, Technical Assistant; DIET faculty members, Master Trainers, and participants from Leh and Kargil districts.

Addressing the gathering, Bhanu Prabha commended the collaborative efforts of DIET Leh and IISER Pune in equipping teachers with innovative teaching methodologies. She stressed that hands-on learning, critical thinking, and scientific inquiry are essential for nurturing 21st-century learners and encouraged teachers to make effective use of the Science and Mathematics kits to create engaging and meaningful classroom experiences.

Principal DIET Leh, S.D. Namgail, expressed gratitude to the Secretary, the IISER Pune team, Master Trainers, and all participants for their support and participation. He also acknowledged IISER Pune's continued contribution towards strengthening science and mathematics education in Ladakh.

During the orientation, experts from IISER Pune introduced participants to the Science and Mathematics kits through interactive demonstrations of classroom activities, experiments, and innovative teaching practices aligned with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The sessions focused on building teachers' confidence in integrating experiential learning into everyday classroom instruction.

The two-day programme has brought together Master Trainers from Leh and Kargil, who will further train teachers in their respective districts, helping expand the reach of activity-based science and mathematics education across Ladakh.

The inaugural day concluded with an interactive session where participants exchanged ideas, shared classroom experiences, and discussed strategies for the effective implementation of the kits. The orientation programme will continue with additional hands-on sessions, demonstrations, and collaborative learning activities aimed at enriching classroom teaching and fostering scientific curiosity among students.