In a move to understand its innovative education model, a high-level delegation from Himachal Pradesh, headed by Education Minister Rohit Thakur, visited the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL) on Monday.
The main aim of the delegation’s visit was to understand the institute’s practical, hands-on teaching style, which is very different from traditional classroom learning.
Founded by environmentalist and social reformer Sonam Wangchuk, this unique institute is known worldwide for its unique apporach of “learning by doing.”
Students at the institute work on real-life projects such as building mud houses, making ice stupas, and using solar power. Engaging in such activities real-time help them learn problem-solving, understand sustainability, and build connection with the community.
A government spokesperson said that Himachal is going to sign an MoU with the institute to initiate teacher training and student exchange programmes. With this, the government wants to bring more practical and locally relevant learning into the state’s education system.
The team also visited the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) — another initiative by Wangchuk that combines alternative education with Ladakh’s culture and environment.
Praising the impact of Wangchuk’s work, Thakur emphasised the need to tailor education to the realities of mountain life.
“Education needs to be adapted to the unique geographical and cultural context of the Himalayan region. The collaboration with HIAL holds immense promise for reshaping our educational landscape,” he said.
“HIAL’s approach might help us in reducing dropout rates and prepare students for sustainable futures. It’s time we bring this thinking to hill states like Himachal,” he added.
This proposed partnership is an important step toward improving education in mountain areas, where the challenges are unique and need solutions that mix new ideas, local traditions, and care for the environment.
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