Mahabodhi Residential School Ladakh is a very beautiful and scenic land with many high mountains, passes and snow-capped peaks. But life can be harsh in winter with temperatures of -30 degrees Celsius in some areas. Except for Leh, the capital of Ladakh, the majority of the Ladakhi people elsewhere lack proper transport, communication, education and other basic facilities like medicine.  Illiteracy and ignorance has been the bane of these simple folks for ages. A new beginning Every year, from August to November, shepherds and farmers from the remotest villages of Ladakh trek to Choglamsar (a small town, 10 km from Leh).  Here, at Mahabodhi Devachan, they wait with their wards, mostly girls, some as young as four.  They know that once their child is admitted to the Mahabodhi Residential School and Hostel, their cycle of ignorance and poverty will be broken. Mahabodhi has a rigorous admission and selection process.  Care is taken to admit the most deserving candidates for the hostels.  Once the hostel vacancies are filled up, the day students are filled in.  Priority is given to those who cannot afford to study in the schools that have sprouted around Leh.  If after fulfillment of these admission criteria, vacant seats are still available, only then is admission extended to the general public. The schooling provided here is as rigorous and comprehensive as any of the best schools in Ladakh.  Dhamma and good living is as much a part of the curriculum at school as Maths or Computer Science is.  Compassion and service - these are instilled through practice, not just by instruction.