Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (DR) BD Mishra (Retd), graced the first convocation ceremony of the University of Ladakh as the chief guest at a grand event held at Sindhu Sanskriti Kendra in Leh. A total of 493 students, including 240 undergraduates and 253 postgraduates, were conferred with degrees during this momentous occasion.

In his address, the LG expressed his delight in participating in this auspicious event, lauding the predominance of female students and their academic achievements, which he believes will significantly influence society's future. He extended his congratulations to the awardees, distinction holders, and medal winners, acknowledging the crucial support of assistant professors, professors, and parents in nurturing students' academic journeys.

L-G commended the Vice-Chancellor for meticulously organizing the ceremony, emphasizing its significance as not just a formality but a sacred academic process that must be conducted punctually and periodically. He underscored the collaborative efforts of teachers, students, and support staff in achieving university excellence, cautioning against disruptive actions that hinder academic progress.

As Chancellor of the University of Ladakh, the LG emphasized the importance of maintaining a peaceful and conducive campus environment, stressing the need for proactive academic planning, efficient class schedules, fair examinations, timely results, and admissions processes compliant with UGC norms. He urged a balanced faculty composition to benefit students overall.

Addressing the gathering, the HLG highlighted the significance of fundamental duties outlined in Article 51(A) of the Indian Constitution, urging students to integrate these principles into their lives. He encouraged lifelong learning, hard work, and entrepreneurial spirit among students and parents, promoting a shift from job seeking to job creation through startups.

During the ceremony, the LG conferred honorary degrees: Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) to Prof (Dr) Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India; Doctorate (Honoris Causa) in Innovation to Chewag Norphel; and Doctorate (Honoris Causa) in Literature to Akhon Asgar Ali Basharat. Additionally, all 13 toppers from various undergraduate and postgraduate courses for the academic years 2020 and 2021 were honored.

Prof (Dr) Ajay Kumar Sood, in his remarks, applauded the gender balance among medal winners and envisioned the University of Ladakh becoming a leading institution in the country, emphasizing education, science and technology, innovation, and societal values as pillars of national greatness.

The ceremony, hosted by Vice-Chancellor Prof SK Mehta, included a presentation showcasing the university’s courses and departments. Dignitaries including His Eminence Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche, CEC Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, and other officials from various sectors, along with students and parents, were present to witness this memorable event.