First Lady Neelam Mishra attended the "Entrepreneurship Training Program for the Scheduled Tribe Community of UT Ladakh," aimed at producing solar lanterns for lighting applications. The program, sponsored by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, took place at the Leh campus of the University of Ladakh on October 22.

During the event, the First Lady interacted with participants and master trainers, sharing her experiences and offering words of encouragement to those beginning their entrepreneurial journeys. She emphasized that entrepreneurship is a key driver of economic growth and social progress, and highlighted the need for fostering creativity, resilience, and a problem-solving mindset in today’s rapidly changing world.

"Entrepreneurship is not just about starting businesses; it is about creating opportunities, transforming communities, and building a future where everyone can thrive," said Neelam Mishra. She added that programs like this empower individuals to take control of their futures, innovate, and contribute to the nation’s well-being.

The First Lady underscored the importance of supporting young entrepreneurs, encouraging them to leverage technology and digital platforms to expand their businesses. She reaffirmed her commitment to promoting equal opportunities, particularly for underrepresented groups, and expressed her unwavering support for fostering an entrepreneurial spirit. She commended the project team and participants, noting her pleasure that the university, based on her suggestion, created solar diya lamps for religious purposes. These lamps, she pointed out, not only reduce fire hazards but are also eco-friendly.

The 14-day Entrepreneurship Training Program covered a variety of topics, including LED bulb production, solar lantern manufacturing, business development, marketing strategies, and digital innovation. The program aimed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge necessary to harness the potential of solar energy in everyday life.

Dr. Rafee, Principal Investigator of the project, along with his team, presented a solar-made lantern and oshibana (pressed flower art) using locally available plants, herbs, and flowers to the First Lady. Dr. Subrat Sharma, Dean of Research Studies, and the project team were also present at the event.