University of Ladakh successfully hosted its 2nd Convocation Ceremony on September 21at the Tourist Facilitation Centre, Kargil. The event, marked by academic spirit and traditional gaiety, brought together dignitaries, faculty, students, and their families to celebrate the achievements of the graduating classes of 2024 and 2025.

The ceremony was presided over by Kavinder Gupta, Lieutenant Governor of UT Ladakh and Chancellor of the University of Ladakh, who conferred degrees, certificates of merit, and gold medals to meritorious students.

Welcoming the dignitaries, Vice Chancellor Prof. Saket Kushwaha emphasized the need for academic changes in line with Government of India policies while preserving Ladakh’s traditional culture.

In his address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Saket Kushwaha emphasized the University’s rapid growth in research, skill development, and academic expansion. He highlighted the establishment of the Drone Research and Innovation Centre with Anna University and the Cyber-Physical Systems Lab with IIT Ropar as landmark steps in making Ladakh a hub for high-altitude innovation, AI, IoT, and smart technologies. He also noted the University’s rising research impact with growing citations, subject-specific recognition, and breakthrough collaborations with national and international institutions. Underscoring equitable academic expansion, the Vice-Chancellor stressed that new programmes and courses are being introduced in both Leh and Kargil campuses equally, ensuring balanced growth and accessibility. He further pointed to entrepreneurship initiatives with EDII, the TEC-UoL ideathons, and skill-oriented training for ST youth in solar and green technologies as key pathways preparing Ladakhi students for future-ready careers while fostering innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability.

Addressing the convocation, Lieutenant Governor and Chancellor, Kavinder Gupta, described the event as a celebration not only of academic achievement but also of the collective aspirations and resilient spirit of Ladakh. He congratulated the graduates, thanked the faculty, parents, and guests, and noted that the University has emerged as a beacon of learning and holistic development. The Chancellor highlighted the University’s swift adoption of NEP 2020, which promotes multidisciplinary learning, skill development, digital literacy, and curriculum reforms. He also praised award-winning skilling programs that align youth with industry, entrepreneurship, and public service. Gupta further emphasized the growth of Atmanirbhar Bharat in Ladakh through local entrepreneurship, crafts, sustainable tourism, and green energy, supported by research centres such as the Centre for Himalayan and Trans-Himalayan Studies and prestigious projects like the LAMA Project funded by MiETY, undertaking advanced research on Himalayan ecology and sustainability.

The Chancellor also lauded the University’s progress in digital transformation, including smart classrooms, e-learning platforms, and advanced laboratories, alongside academic expansion and collaborations with premier institutions, preparing Ladakhi youth for global challenges. He appreciated community outreach for environmental and cultural preservation and recognized students and alumni excelling in academics, research, administration, and entrepreneurship.

He informed the audience that recruitment for various non-teaching positions has been completed and appointment letters will be issued in the forthcoming days. He urged graduates to act as ambassadors of peace, sustainability, and equitable development, embracing lifelong learning and teamwork, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to protect Ladakh’s heritage and ecology.

Prof. (Dr.) Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir highlighted the shared history between the two universities and lauded the growth and achievements of the University of Ladakh in a short span. She congratulated the University for having more than 60% women enrolment and invited the University of Ladakh for advanced research collaboration in education with the University of Kashmir. She also extended her thanks to the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, for his efforts in the development of the region.

The formal proceedings began with the Academic Procession, lighting of the ceremonial lamp, Saraswati Vandana, and invocation by students. This was followed by the presentation of Doctoral Degrees and gold medals to meritorious graduates, and the degree distribution ceremony for graduates and postgraduates across faculties of Arts, Social Sciences, Sciences, Commerce, and Management. Degrees were also conferred in absentia for students unable to attend. A total of 117 degrees were awarded at the convocation ceremony—fifty-nine in person and fifty-eight in absentia. Additionally, 612 degrees, including one PhD, were uploaded to the NAD DigiLocker during the ceremony, allowing students digital access through their APAAR ID, under the initiative of the Ministry of Higher Education.

Special recognition was accorded to gold medallists and merit holders, whose dedication and academic excellence were celebrated as an inspiration for the entire student community.

Since its inception in 2019, the University of Ladakh has made significant strides in strengthening higher education and research in the Trans-Himalayan region. The convocation reaffirmed the University’s motto: “Come and Learn at the Top of the World.”