As part of ongoing efforts under the Enterprising Ladakh initiative to nurture and promote entrepreneurship across the Union Territory, Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General of the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad, along with Dr. Amit Kumar Dwivedi, Director, Department of Government Projects, EDII Ahmedabad, visited the University of Ladakh – Kargil Campus on August 6.

The visit featured an engaging interaction with Dr. Mehboob Ali, In-charge Administration, and faculty members of the university. The orientation session was organized and facilitated by Padma Lhazes, Project Officer, EDII Enterprising Ladakh.

During the session, faculty members shared their views on entrepreneurship not only as a means for economic gain but also as a social responsibility. They emphasized the importance of grounding entrepreneurial initiatives in community welfare, cultural sensitivity, and local development.

Dr. Shukla resonated with this perspective, stressing that entrepreneurship must be socially responsible and inclusive. He emphasized that the vision of a Viksit Bharat(Developed India) cannot be realized by progress in only a few states.

“Viksit Bharat will become a reality only when every corner of India, including regions like Ladakh, progresses equally,”he said.

Citing the example of Pashmina, Dr. Shukla noted that while it originates in Ladakh, it is often marketed as Kashmir Pashmina. He pointed out the urgent need to recognize, support, and brand local talent, products, and innovations. He urged faculty members to encourage students to add value to local life, local products, and local development, making Ladakh not only self-sufficient but also globally competitive.

Dr. Shukla also spoke about the significance of faculty development programs and industry mentoringas vital tools for instilling an entrepreneurial mindset in educators. He highlighted the importance of empowering teachers so they can effectively guide students with practical knowledge and real-world insights.

Dr. Amit Kumar Dwivedi, Project Director, provided an overview of the Enterprising Ladakh initiative, sharing its vision and mission to transform Ladakh into a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship.

The session was attended by around 30 faculty and staff members, fostering an open platform for idea exchange and future collaboration. The visit reaffirmed the vital role academic institutions like the University of Ladakh play in driving the Enterprising Ladakh mission — nurturing a generation of job creators and change-makers rooted in the region’s unique cultural and economic landscape.