Stanzin K.

Stanzin Kunsal embarked on a monumental journey in 2022, stepping into the world of formal, in-person education for the first time at the esteemed Senior Secondary School in Leh. Her origins lie in the remote Himalayan village of Shade, nestled within the desolate expanse of the Lugnack Valley in Ladakh. Shade Village, ensconced within the Zanskar region, stands as a beacon of isolation, a testament to the resilience of its inhabitants in the face of geographic adversity.

Accessing Shade Village is a formidable task, requiring a trek of two to three days through the rugged terrain of the Zanskar Valley, traversing the formidable Stongde La pass, standing tall at an altitude of 5140 meters (16,864 feet). The village's isolation has served as a guardian of its rich traditions and cultural heritage, shielding it from the currents of change that sweep through more accessible regions.

Kunsal's family grapples with economic hardship as they strive to provide for their five children. Engaging in farming activities during the summer months and practicing subsistence farming on their individual lands, her parents labor tirelessly to make ends meet. The challenges escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic, as restrictions curtailed their already limited income streams. Compounded by her father's declining health, the family's plight has reached new heights of difficulty.

Yet, amidst adversity, Kunsal's pursuit of education shines as a beacon of hope. A high-quality education not only promises to lay the foundation for her academic success but also holds the key to breaking the cycle of poverty that grips her family. Despite the challenges she faces, Kunsal's character and academic prowess have garnered admiration from her teachers in Shade Village, who recognize her potential and endorse her as a deserving candidate for academic scholarships to pursue her studies at the prestigious Lamdon School.

In Kunsal's story, resilience, determination, and the transformative power of education converge, illuminating a path toward a brighter future amidst the shadows of adversity.