Two-week long Research Methodology Course, funded by ICSSR and organized by the Centre for Himalayan & Trans-Himalayan Studies, University of Ladakh and Department of Sociology, Government Model Degree College, Zanskar concluded on April 25.

Around eighteen eminent personalities spoke on various issues related to research and research methodology through offline and online mode. The speakers included Professor P.C. Joshi, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Delhi), Professor Abhijit Pathak (Jawaharlal Nehru University), Dr.Tsewang Namgyal, Senior Scientist, Snow Leopard Conservancy, Sonam Angchuk, Founder & Director, Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Learning. 

Presentations on how to write a research proposal, methodology of research, ethics in Social Sciences, putting research into action, and so on were carried out during the workshop. A one-day field visit to Petroglyph sites in Saspol and Alchi was also held. The experts of the field visit were Dr. Quentin Devers and Professor Tashi Dawa.

Dr. Avatar Kishan Raina, Professor and Senior Principal Scientist, Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research spoke on the role of a geologist and geotechnical engineer and  Former Ambassador P. Stobdan spoke elaborately on research prospects in Ladakh.

The chief guest for the valedictory session was Dr. Tsering Nurbu, Padma Shree Awardee and renowned Physician of Ladakh. He shared his experiences about research works that he had conducted which are published in reputed international journals. Through his life experiences, he motivated participants to work with dedication and zeal and contribute to society through research which would certainly be acknowledged sooner or later. Despite being short on funds for his first project, but with a passion to contribute to society, he was credited with the development of Geo-Medicine (Medicine and Community).

Dr. Sonam Joldan, Head of the Organizing Committee, presented a brief outline and objectives of the course and about how to build research capacities and research aptitude. He hoped that participants benefitted from the course. 

Imteeaz Kacho, Registrar thanked the University of Kashmir for establishing the two Satellite Campuses at Kargil and Leh (which were then transferred to the University of Ladakh this year) while appreciating the role of Dean, Academic Affairs/Controller of Examinations and Rectors of both the campuses for smooth functioning of the University. He expressed his hope to increase research programs in the University in the coming years with state-of-the-art facilities. 

Dean, Academic Affairs, Deskyong Namgyal congratulated Dr.Sonam Joldan and Dr.Tashi Lundup of the Organizing Committee for conducting a successful and excellent workshop. He briefly outlined the journey of the University, since 2018, and informed the gathering that there are seventeen different courses running in the University currently. 

He also stated that the University has established the Centre for Himalayan & Trans-Himalayan Studies. He informed that it is the second faculty development programme, the first was organised in October 2020, both through offline and online mode. 

Later, certificates were distributed to resource persons and participants.