The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd), inaugurated four Skill Sector Centers and Laboratories on Mushroom Culture, High-Altitude Trekking Geuide, Graphic Designer, and Jam and Jelly Production Technician at the Eliezer Joldan Memorial College, Leh, in the presence of the Chairman, LAHDC Leh, Advocate Tashi Gyalson, on March 12.

The Lieutenant Governor also inaugurated the portal of the Higher Education Department of UT Ladakh. He felicitated the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and National Service Scheme (NSS) cadets of Eliezer Joldan Memorial College. The annual magazine of Eliezer Joldan Memorial College, ‘Senge Khababs,’ was also released on the occasion.

Highlighting the need to take India forward as a developed nation, the Lieutenant Governor said that youth is the biggest component, which will play a crucial part in taking our nation on the path of development. He also stated that providing the best education and ensuring the good health of the youth should be prioritized. The onus is on everyone to contribute in these two aspects and not rely solely on the government to take initiatives for the development of society, he further stated.

Stating that attachment of government staff is a menace, the LG stated that selfishness creates a barrier between society and humans. Terming Ladakhi youth as talented, the LG highlighted the need for their channelization and providing them with adequate opportunities. Calling youth energetic, industrious, and hard-working, he reiterated the need to develop the Ladakhi youth.

Highlighting the four castes pointed out by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, i.e., poor, youth, women, and farmers, the LG appreciated the Lakhpati Didi scheme and Start-Up India scheme initiated by the Prime Minister for the betterment of women and youth of the country. The LG emphasized breaking the mentality of looking for government jobs after completing studies and asked the youth to become job creators instead of job-seekers by embracing start-ups and entrepreneurship.

The LG also visited all four skill workshop and laboratories developed by the Ladakh Skill Development Mission at a cost of Rs 33.88 lakhs and also interacted with the students. The LG advised the girl students to pursue extracurricular activities seriously so that they can also become Lakhpati Didi and contribute to the betterment of society. He also wished them luck in their endeavors.

Earlier, the Principal of Eliezer Joldan Memorial College, Dr. Sameena Iqbal, welcomed the guests and apprised them of various activities and courses offered to students.

Vice-Chancellor, University of Ladakh, Prof SK Mehta; Commissioner/Secretary, Higher Education, Smt Padma Angmo, IIS; Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Shri Santosh Sukhadeve, IAS; faculty, staff, and students of the University of Ladakh were also present at the event.