Vows to transform Ladakh into Knowledge & Innovation Hub
STATE TIMES NEWS
LEH: The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, on Thursday visited the University of Ladakh (UoL) Campus at Taru and underscored the pivotal role of education, research, and innovation in shaping Ladakh’s future and contributing to the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Interacting with faculty members, staff, and students, the Lt Governor said that institutions like the University of Ladakh serve as cornerstones of nation-building in geographically challenging regions. He lauded the University’s rapid growth since its inception, describing it as a symbol of Ladakh’s aspirations, resilience, and intellectual strength.
Commending the University’s world-class teaching environment and advanced laboratory infrastructure, the Lt Governor expressed special appreciation for facilities such as Genome Sequencing, ICP-MS, XRD, and the Centralised Interdisciplinary Science Instrumentation Centre (CISIC). He said the presence of such cutting-edge facilities in a high-altitude region reflects Ladakh’s emerging identity as a centre of excellence in higher education and scientific research.
Noting the University’s academic expansion, Kavinder Gupta said that UoL, which began with only a few courses, is now offering around 72 academic programmes, including skill-based, agriculture, science, and technology-oriented courses. He emphasised that education should go beyond awarding degrees and must focus on producing job creators, innovators, and responsible global citizens.
Highlighting the importance of research, entrepreneurship, and emerging technologies, the Lt Governor encouraged faculty members to mentor students towards opportunities in areas such as artificial intelligence, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and innovations tailored to Ladakh’s unique ecological conditions. He stressed that teachers play a decisive role in preparing Ladakhi youth for inclusive development while safeguarding the region’s cultural and environmental heritage.
Reaffirming the UT Administration’s full support, the Lt Governor assured that all necessary measures would be taken to further strengthen the University of Ladakh, including academic collaborations, exposure programmes, and capacity-building initiatives for faculty and students.
He also stated that efforts would be made to bring reputed national institutions such as IIMs and IITs closer to Ladakh to ensure quality education within the region and curb brain drain.
He further highlighted the significance of value-based education, leadership, and peace studies, noting that Ladakh has the potential to emerge as a model of harmony-driven development through education.
During the visit, the Lt Governor inaugurated the NABL-accredited ICP-MS facility, toured advanced laboratories and the Central Library equipped with digital and e-learning resources, and reviewed innovation-driven initiatives, including entrepreneurship and skill development programmes.
Earlier, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Saket Kushwaha and Administrative Secretary, Higher Education, Bhanu Prabha, accorded a warm welcome to the Lt Governor. In-charge Registrar Nawang Tundup presented a detailed overview of academic programmes and ongoing activities across UoL campuses in Leh and Kargil.
Senior officials, faculty members, administrative staff, Under Secretary Higher Education Sumera Shafi, and other dignitaries were also present.