“Nobody can discover the world for somebody else. Only when we discover it for ourselves does it
become common ground and a common bond and we cease to be alone.” – Wendell Berry
Today in this contemporary world education is the only tool to any society to which can be used to
change the world, from cradle to grave we learn a new subject each and every day. Education isn’t
about how well we can read and write; it’s about how well we can interact with and comprehend the
outside world.
A quality education not only imparts knowledge but also broadens our horizons, improves our viewpoint, and empowers us to make our own decisions. People are extremely aware of social inequalities nowadays and feel comfortable discussing them. This can be due to the expanded educational opportunities available globally, which has led to a more accepting and tolerant culture. Education is thus a component of human evolution. Creativity and invention are other areas where education is crucial. Education supports creative problem-solving and trying out novel concepts.
Studying away from home is a significant decision. On the one hand, it’s a chance to change our life
that only arises during a certain age. However, it could seem like a complete leap of faith. Studying
outside the home environment can have a profound impact on students’ personal and academic
growth. The future of people and communities is significantly shaped by their educational experiences. The choice to send kids away from home for education in the context of Ladakh, a region renowned for its distinctive cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes, is one that merits careful consideration.
Today, the majority of students are forced to relocate to Jammu and Kashmir and states like Himachal
Pradesh, Punjab, Delhi, and Chandigarh, Dehradun in order to pursue higher education. According to
some estimates, each student spends between Rs 50,000 and Rs 1.3 lakh annually. Money from
Ladakh is being lost due to the more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students from the
region studying away from Ladakh.
According to Rinchen Angmo, an assistant professor at Government Eliezer Joldan Memorial College
in Leh, Jammu & Kashmir, India, who conducted research on the status of higher and technical
education in Ladakh, education literacy in the Ladakh division was 72% for men and 50% for women
in the Leh district. The literacy rate in the Kargil district was 58%, while it was 74% for men and 41%
for women. Children who are sent outside of Ladakh may have access to a wider range of
educational opportunities, such as colleges with specialized programmes, cutting-edge research
facilities, and a variety of extracurricular activities. Their horizons can be expanded, and they can
learn about topics and professions that might not be accessible to them locally, thanks to this
exposure.
Higher education enrolment has been steadily rising over the years, according to the
Indian Ministry of Education, indicating a growing demand for educational opportunities. According
to this pattern, Ladakhi students interested in higher education might benefit from the wider range
of options offered outside of their region. Children are exposed to various cultures, languages, and viewpoints when they study outside of Ladakh. As a result, they may become more interculturally
competent, communicative, and adaptable—qualities that are becoming more and more important
in our globally interconnected society. Exposure to various points of view can aid in the development
of well-rounded people who are more open-minded and receptive to new ideas.
The World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report emphasizes the value of collaboration
and cultural openness in promoting innovation and economic growth. This suggests that exposing
students to various cultures while they are studying outside their own state may aid in Ladakh’s
overall development.
Students who receive their education outside of Ladakh may have an advantage in the job market
because they will have access to networking opportunities, internships, and job placements that are
not as commonplace there. Experience living abroad is highly valued by many employers because it
frequently denotes flexibility, independence, and a wider range of skills.
However, in recent years, a growing trend of students leaving Ladakh to pursue higher
education in other states has emerged. While education is a powerful tool for personal growth,
this migration has potential disadvantages that could impact the overall development of the
Ladakh region.
Ladakhi students are educational refugee in other States: Sonam Wangchuk
As can be seen, more and more students are leaving Ladakh to pursue higher education in other
states. A population pyramid imbalance in the area may result from this demographic shift. A
decrease in the region’s young, educated population could have an impact on the labour force,
potentially creating a shortage of professionals and skilled workers needed for local development.
The “brain drain” phenomenon is the migration of highly educated and skilled people to other areas.
As more Ladakhi students leave for better educational opportunities elsewhere, the region might
experience a drain of intellectual capital. These students, once educated, could contribute
significantly to Ladakh’s development, from technological innovation to community development
projects. A risk of cultural erosion exists as more Ladakhi students study outside. Ladakh’s distinctive
identity could be weakened if language, traditions, and practises are not as strongly emphasised or
passed down to younger generations.
Students pursuing education outside the region, they often acquire knowledge and skills that might not align with Ladakh’s specific needs and challenges. The absence of locally educated professionals who understand the intricacies of the region’s development can hinder effective decision-making and implementation of development projects.
The demand for educational institutions in Ladakh may decline as a result of outbound student
migration. This might then result in a slower rate of development for new schools, colleges, and
other related infrastructure in the education sector. The region’s human capital development may
suffer long-term consequences from the stagnation of the educational infrastructure.
A vibrant education system fosters innovation and creative thinking. When students leave Ladakh for
their education, the region might miss out on the innovative ideas and solutions they could
contribute to local challenges. This could hinder progress in various sectors, including technology,
agriculture, and sustainable development.
While seeking education outside the region can offer Ladakhi students valuable opportunities for
personal growth and learning, it’s essential to acknowledge the potential disadvantages this trend
presents to Ladakh’s overall development. From demographic imbalances to cultural erosion, these
drawbacks highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to education policy. A balanced strategy that encourages local education while facilitating opportunities for higher learning outside Ladakh
can help mitigate these potential negative impacts and ensure the holistic development of the
region.
CASE STUDY IN KARGIL LADAKH
In a case study conducted in guidance of Mr Ali Akbar Balti (Lect. Physics at Govt. Higher Secondary
Lankerchay) in the Kargil District of Union Territory of Ladakh there are 2-3 family member in each
household who are studying outside Ladakh, from aged around (12-25 boys and girls) . Schooling,
colleges, university and now some of them working in educational fields outside Ladakh. The
decision to send a child away from home, apart from family is a complex one, shaped by various
factors that parents carefully consider. Often all of them are send to boarding schools, which offer an
all-encompassing educational and living experience, have gained popularity in whole Ladakh which
now results into the pressure among the parents who do not send their kids and never wanted to,
but to meet the social standards they have to sacrifice and send without thinking twice.
Parents recognize that these institutions provide an environment where students can develop life skills,
leadership qualities, and independence, preparing them for the challenges of adulthood. Being away
from home, family, and familiar surroundings leads to feelings of separation anxiety and homesickness, especially for younger children. They struggle to adjust to the new environment and miss the emotional support of their parents and siblings. These students often gets limit direct
parental involvement in a child’s daily life and education. This leads to parents feeling disconnected
from their child’s experiences, progress, and challenges.
When students are away from home for an extended period, they gets less exposed to their family’s cultural values, traditions, and beliefs. This leads to a dilution of their cultural identity and a reduced understanding of their heritage. Just as with any educational environment, there is a possibility of negative influences among students. In a discussion with a parent whose children are currently studying for competitive exams, the parent claimed that Ladakh was unable to provide a competitive environment and a competitive level of education.
However, we now know that this claim is a dilemma, and the dispute was resolved by Mr.Liyaqat Ali from Shakar Chiktan, Ladakh NEET 2ND topper, 2023. From his education through his NEET journey, everything took place in Kargil Ladakh. He has never attended a significant coaching facility outside of Ladakh or inside Kargil. In his interviews, he has emphasised the value of studying at home with parental supervision and counselled students to concentrate on their fundamentals rather than imitating those who leave Ladakh for study abroad and return only after spending a lot of money at prestigious coaching facilities.
It’s important for parents to carefully weigh the circumstances before sending their child away from
home. As mentioned above education is the only need to everyone today and should be achieved at
any circumstances, sending away from home or outside Ladakh is not a solution, sending kids
outside Ladakh resulted in the students decline. This then slowed down the rate of construction of
new schools, colleges, and other educational infrastructure as clearly we see today in the far flung
areas of Kargil district. The weakening of educational facilities could have long-term effects on the
region’s ability to develop human capital.
The differences between those who can leave Ladakh and those who can’t, play on class lines and
inspire those who stay back or cause them to have low self-esteem. Any close-knit community would
find this unhealthy. The youth of Ladakh are losing touch with their culture and identity as a result of
this “forced migration,” in addition to the toll it takes on our economy.