Chief Secretary, UT Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, graced the mega entrepreneurship event, ‘Enterprising Ladakh’, at the Main Market, Leh, on August 28, celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit, innovative ideas and locally developed products of Ladakh’s youth.

The event was organised by the Higher Education Department in collaboration with the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII).
Bringing together budding entrepreneurs, innovators and students from across the Union Territory, the event highlighted emerging enterprise opportunities and the growing potential of Ladakh’s youth to create sustainable livelihoods and contribute to the region’s economic development.

The programme commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by the National Song and National Anthem.
Addressing the gathering, Director General, EDII, Dr Suneel Shukla, highlighted the progress made under the initiative and efforts to foster an entrepreneurial ecosystem among the youth of Ladakh. He emphasised the importance of innovation, awareness, mentorship and handholding support in enabling young entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into viable enterprises.

The initiative has supported the development of several enterprise projects and seeks to strengthen MSMEs, promote local products and create sustainable livelihood opportunities.

On the occasion, the Chief Secretary released a publication showcasing key knowledge resources, identified opportunities, aspirations and practical guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs. The publication includes project profiles and other information aimed at helping youth explore and develop viable enterprise ideas.

Addressing the gathering, Kundra said the entrepreneurship initiative represents an emerging movement among the youth of Ladakh, encouraging students, graduates and aspiring entrepreneurs to explore self-employment and enterprise creation. He observed that the aspirations of young people are increasingly moving beyond conventional employment towards innovation and creating opportunities for themselves and others.
The Chief Secretary appreciated the participation of youth from different parts of Ladakh and encouraged them to develop enterprise ideas based on the region’s unique strengths and resources, including pashmina, apricot and other local products.

He stressed the need to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with adequate support in preparing project reports, accessing finance and bank credit, understanding land-related requirements and establishing linkages with industries and other stakeholders.

Emphasising the vision of transforming entrepreneurs into employment providers, Kundra called upon students and young people to actively participate in the emerging entrepreneurial ecosystem and contribute towards creating a new era of innovation, enterprise and economic opportunity in Ladakh.

The Chief Secretary subsequently visited stalls set up at the Main Market, where entrepreneurs, students, SHGs and other groups from all seven districts showcased their products, innovations and enterprise ideas. He interacted with the participants and enquired about their products, production processes, market linkages and entrepreneurial journeys.

The exhibition featured a diverse range of local and innovative products, including bakery and packaged food items, crochet and embroidery products, textiles, herbal products, walnut spread, chilli paste, noodles, seabuckthorn products, sculptures, traditional crafts, Zanskar ghee, baskets, knitting and needlework.

Innovations and creative products developed by students and young entrepreneurs from institutions including NIELIT and ITIs were also showcased, featuring 3D artwork, wood carving, graphic design products and other locally developed items.

The ‘Wall of Products’ was also launched on the occasion, providing a dedicated platform to showcase products and innovations developed by entrepreneurs and students participating in the initiative.

The programme was attended by Secretary, Higher Education, Bhanu Prabha; Secretary, GAD, P.T. Rudra Goud; Director General, EDII, Dr Suneel Shukla; Director, DIHAR, Dr Om Prakash Chaurasia; Director, NIELIT; representatives of NABARD; students of NIELIT and ITIs; entrepreneurs, innovators and senior officers from the concerned departments.