The first Ladakh Education Fair 2022 organised by the Higher Education Department in collaboration with Ladakh Skill Development Mission and the University of Ladakh concluded on August 20. The education fair was hosted by the Government Degree Colleges of Ladakh at Leh, Kargil, Nubra, Drass, Zanskar, and Sankoo.

The fair at Leh was jointly hosted by Eliezer Joldan Memorial College, Leh, and Government Degree College Khaltse. More than 1000 students attended the different sessions in the 2 days of which more than 200 students were from higher secondary schools of Leh.

Lieutenant Governor, R K Mathur virtually inaugurated the fair on August 19 and also launched the Ladakh Skill Development Portal (https://lsdm.ladakh.gov.in). 

In the keynote calling Ladakhi youth the future of Ladakh, LG Mathur advised them to make full use of the first Ladakh Education Fair. He appreciated the attitude of the Ladakhi youth for coming back to Ladakh after the completion of their higher education to work for the benefit of society. He stated that this is a positive sign for society and the economy of the region. He informed that efforts are being made to provide jobs and scholarships to the students of Ladakh. 

LG Mathur called choosing a career or profession a critical decision for youth. He suggested the primary sector as an area that can contribute to the economy of Ladakh in the future. He stressed the need for convergence between the future of Ladakh and the subjects chosen by the students, especially those that are relevant to Ladakh. LG Mathur expressed hope that the Fair would prove beneficial to students in providing guidance and helping them to decide their careers/professions.

Commissioner/Secretary, Higher Education, and Skill Development Department, Padma Angmo briefed the audience about the concept behind the Ladakh Education fair and said that the fair will focus on five components related to education and employment: subject choice, career guidance, scholarships, skill development, and apprenticeship. She urged all the students to reap the full benefits of this unique education fair wherein experts from different walks of life will give their valuable insight and guidance to the students on these five components.

Guest of Honour, C. Phuntsok (IAS retd), who was also the 1st Vice Chancellor of the University of Ladakh spoke on the importance of analytical learning and education as an investment in human resources. He advised the students on effective time management and the importance of perseverance and hard work for a fruitful future.

On August 20, Advisor Umang Narula attended the valedictory function as the Chief Guest and congratulated the faculty members, organizers, speakers, and students on the success of the innovative Ladakh Education fair. 

He stated that this kind of fair will provide the requisite external stimulus to the students to help them make their minds in choosing suitable careers. He added that education fairs like this can address the information gap and should be an integral part of the education system. He lauded the experts for taking out their time to guide the students with their valuable insights. He urged the students to strive for excellence and to never stop learning as education is a lifelong pursuit. 

Advisor Narula stated that the administration is developing the skill development and entrepreneurship sectors with various schemes and incubation centers for all kinds of enterprises. 
Advisor Narula along with Commissioner/Secretary, Higher Education & Skill Development Department, Ladakh, Padma Angmo felicitated the experts, speakers and financial partners at the event.

The Ladakh Education Fair had sessions by various subject experts. All the sessions throughout the fair were open to interaction in which students asked questions to the experts and deliberated upon respective challenges faced by them and explored solutions with the experts.

Stalls were set up by Sector Skill Councils Paints and Coating Sector Skill Council, Handicrafts and Carpet Sector Skill Council, Food Industry Capacity and Skill Initiative, Apparel, made-Ups & Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council, Beauty & Wellness Sector Skill Council, Media & Entertainment Sector Skill Council and Skill Council for Green. Various Banks also set up their stalls at the venue and made students aware of the education loan.

The technical sessions included a panel discussion on Subject choices which has the Faculty of Humanities and Social sciences interacted with students of Class XI-XII and detailed the scope and expense of their respective subjects so that students make informed choices while seeking admission to colleges in the coming years.