Kargil: To mark World Food Safety Day, Government Model Middle School Biathang organized an Inter-School Food Festival on Monday focusing on the promotion and celebration of traditional Ladakhi cuisine and food safety awareness.
The event was graced by Chief Education Officer (CEO) Kargil, Sonam Wangchuk, as the Chief Guest, along with Zonal Education Planning Officer (ZPEO), Zahra Banoo, and Former Sarpanch of Shilikchey, Abass Khan, as Guests of Honour.
Students from five schools – GMS Shilikchey, GMS Dass, GMS Bagh-e-Khomnie, GMS Harmos Poyen, and host school GMS Biathang – participated with enthusiasm, presenting over 34 varieties of traditional Ladakhi dishes and herbal plants.
The festival created a vibrant platform for students and parents to celebrate local food traditions and understand the importance of food hygiene and sustainability.
In the Food Festival Competition, 1st Position was won by GMS Biathang, 2nd Position was taken by GMS Bagh-e-Khomnie and GMS Shilikchey remained 3rd.
The title of “Sweet Mom of the Food Festival 2025” was awarded to the mother of Masem Abass (Class 1st) for her exceptional contribution and presentation of authentic Ladakhi cuisine.
A group of students from the Drama Section also presented a powerful skit on environment and cleanliness, which was appreciated by all attendees for its meaningful message.
Addressing the gathering, CEO Kargil Sonam Wangchuk praised the efforts of the Village Education Committees (VECs), the Headmaster, and the school staff for organizing such an impactful programme.
He emphasized that education should go beyond textbooks and include practical learning experiences like these, which shape students’ real-life understanding.
Speaking to the media, ZPEO Zahra Banoo remarked that such programmes reflect the competency and dedication of teachers and schools within the cluster.
She noted that learning by doing is a key principle of modern education, and initiatives like these offer students’ practical knowledge and exposure.
Headmaster, Gulzar Ali briefed about the initiatives of the school and the means to bring change in the system to connect more and more to the students.
As a token of appreciation, Shama Kazimi, Incharge of the Primary Section and Arts & Crafts Section, presented a handcrafted Gurgur to the Chief Guest on behalf of the school.
The event concluded with the distribution of prizes to participating schools and students, making the celebration both educational and memorable.
