A tripartite MoU to secure a better future for Ladakhi youth was signed among the Indian Army 14 Corps with corporate partner Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and executing agency National Integrity and Educational Development Organisation (NIEDO) at HQ 14 Corps, Leh on April 26.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Tashi Gyalson, Chief Executive Councillor, Leh; Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, MP, Ladakh; Advisor Ladakh, Umang Narula; Ravinder Kumar, Administrative Secretary, Lt Gen PGK Menon, AVSM, GOC 14 Corps along with Prince Singh, Chief Regional Manager, Retail J&K, HPCL, Dr. Rohit Srivastav, Managing Trustee and CEO, NIEDO and various other senior Army officials and civil dignitaries.
 
The project ‘Ladakh Ignited Minds’ has been conceptualized to secure a better future for the youth of UT Ladakh and a full-time residential program to mentor and guide them for twelve months for the entrance examination of various Medical and Engineering Colleges spread across India. The program will be executed by Kanpur-based NGO, NIEDO under the aegis of the Indian Army. The army would oversee the overall operations including administration and logistics with requisite funding support through HPCL.
 
Umang Narula, Advisor to LG Ladakh on behalf of UT Administration and Lt Governor R.K. Mathur appreciated the project and said it is a significant step taken by the Indian Army to provide support to the young students of Ladakh.
 
He said, “We have tried to understand the issues more deeply and one of the problems we are facing is a deficiency of manpower including doctors and engineers. Such initiatives will help to produce a local force of professionals to serve in the region after the completion of their studies.”
 
Talking about Ladakh’s unique topography and various challenges, he said that only the person who lives in Ladakh can understand and give the best solution.
 
MP JTN said, “The project is not only people friendly instead it is a mission set by the army to fulfill the manpower shortages in Ladakh. It is a proud moment for Ladakh that Lt Gen PGK Menon, who has served in the region for 18 years has put personal interest in the project.”
 
Informing about the project, Lt Gen PGK Menon 14 Corps said, “The project is yet another important milestone of Indian Army’s people-friendly efforts for the children of Ladakh. This project is a residential cum educational coaching facility for children ideally from rural and semi-urban areas of Ladakh. Initially, we are looking at 45 students of which 25 will be boys and 20 will be girls and we may increase it in subsequent years”.
 
“The project will also employ the marginalized people in administrative duties at the centre. The project aims to establish long-term opportunities for the children of Ladakh”, he added.
 
Dr. Rolhit Srivastav, CEO, NIEDO expressed gratitude to the Indian Army and HPCL for allowing NIEDO to co-partner in this initiative.
 
Prince Singh, Chief Regional Manager, Retail, HPCL said that the project aims to provide a platform to the underprivileged and yet talented students of Ladakh. Establishing a way of free residential coaching program will prepare students for NEET and JEE. HPCL will provide financial support for the first batch of the project under CSR.
 
He said, “I am confident that Ladakh Ignited Minds will give us many success stories.”
 
The project will also focus on soft skills, leadership, critical thinking and personality development, and end-to-end grooming till they become a productive human resource for the nation.