Proposes Ladakh Admin-IIT Jammu MoU to boost innovation, entrepreneurship in border areas
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, on Saturday inaugurated Udyamitsav and PRAGYAAN 2026 at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jammu, Jagti Campus, describing the initiatives as a strong reflection of India’s innovation-driven and future-ready vision.
Addressing students, innovators, educators and entrepreneurs, the Lieutenant Governor emphasized that innovation, entrepreneurship and scientific temperament are the true pillars of nation-building. He said premier institutions like IIT Jammu are not merely centres of learning but dynamic laboratories shaping the future of New India.
Highlighting Udyamitsav, Kavinder Gupta said the platform symbolizes India’s journey from ideas to innovation and from startups to nation-building. He appreciated the participation of nearly 1,000 young entrepreneurs from Jammu & Kashmir and neighbouring regions, calling them job creators whose innovative solutions address local challenges with global relevance.
Speaking on PRAGYAAN 2026, the Lieutenant Governor described it as more than a science exhibition, calling it a movement that nurtures curiosity and scientific thinking among children. He said such platforms encourage young minds to question, experiment and innovate, laying a strong foundation for future scientists and innovators.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, Shri Kavinder Gupta said India’s youth will be the driving force in transforming the country into a global innovation powerhouse. He added that government policies are increasingly focused on empowering youth, promoting startups, and strengthening research and innovation ecosystems.
Sharing his recent visit to the University of Ladakh, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the presence of world-class laboratories and modern research infrastructure even in high-altitude regions. He said these facilities are enabling youth from border and remote areas to access global-quality education and research opportunities.
The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted the vast potential of Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir and the Himalayan regions in sectors such as green technologies, agri-startups, tourism innovation and digital services, noting that geographical challenges are now emerging as strengths with focused policy support. He praised IIT Jammu for evolving as a hub of research, innovation and startup culture, and proposed exploring an MoU between the Ladakh Administration and IIT Jammu to promote entrepreneurship, particularly among students from border areas.
Welcoming the dignitaries, Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur, Director IIT Jammu, highlighted the institute’s vision of fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and experiential learning. Faculty members detailed the wide range of activities under Udyamitsav and PRAGYAAN 2026, which is hosting over 6,000 students and educators, featuring exhibitions, STEAM activities, innovation challenges and creative platforms.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Prof. M. T. Arvind, Chief Innovation Officer; Prof. Anurag Misra, Dean (IPM); Dr. Ankit Kathuria, Faculty-in-Charge (Sponsorship), along with senior officials, faculty members, industry experts, students, and visiting school representatives.
Following the inaugural ceremony, the Lieutenant Governor visited various innovation stalls, interacted with student innovators and appreciated their creativity and technological solutions.
