 Early Times Report
LEH, Nov 9: The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, today said that Ladakh is rapidly emerging as a symbol of innovation and self-reliance, reflecting the true spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. He emphasised that the collective efforts of the people, backed by progressive governance and community-driven innovation, are transforming the region into a model of resilience and creativity for the nation.
The Lt Governor was speaking at the inauguration of the Enterprising Ladakh initiative on the occasion of National Entrepreneurship Day at EJM College, Leh. He described the initiative as "a powerful step towards realising the aspirations of a new Ladakh and the vision of a self-reliant India."
Enterprising Ladakh-a flagship project of the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad-is being implemented in collaboration with the Department of Higher Education, UT Ladakh. The Lt Governor inaugurated the product wall and exhibition showcasing innovations by budding entrepreneurs and released the Enterprising Ladakh Report and Catalogue.
Expressing satisfaction that EDII has launched the nationwide Entrepreneurship Fortnight from Ladakh, the Lt Governor said this underlines the region's emergence as a centre of innovation, employment generation, and self-reliance in the Himalayas.
Speaking on Ladakh's journey "from challenges to opportunities," Shri Gupta said that despite harsh terrain and long winters, Ladakh has carved its identity in solar energy, cold-climate agriculture, eco-tourism, handicrafts, wool products, and organic farming. "Now is the time to integrate these strengths with a strong culture of entrepreneurship to ensure sustainable growth," he said.
Commending the collaboration between the government and academia, he praised Dr. Sunil Shukla and his team from EDII for inspiring innovation and self-reliance among youth. He also appreciated Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal and Secretary (Higher Education) Ms. Bhanu Prabha for ensuring the success of the initiative at the grassroots.
Welcoming the implementation of the RAMP scheme in Ladakh, the Lt Governor said it will provide capital, training, and market access to youth and women entrepreneurs, enabling Ladakh to scale new heights of self-reliance.
He stressed that entrepreneurship is about transforming ideas into opportunities. "It is the spirit of self-reliance-it generates jobs, strengthens local economies, and drives social change," he said. The Lt Governor lauded Ladakhi youth for moving from job-seeking to job-creating, turning local traditions and resources into modern enterprises.
Highlighting the role of education, he said entrepreneurship learning must go beyond textbooks and nurture innovation and risk-taking. He urged all colleges and technical institutes to establish Entrepreneurship and Innovation Cells to convert ideas into viable enterprises. |
