Kargil: As part of the 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 Project, EDII Ahmedabad, visited the University of Ladakh – Kargil Campus on August 6, 2025.
The visit was marked by a meaningful interaction with Dr. Mehboob Ali, In-charge Administration, and faculty members of the university. The orientation session was arranged and facilitated by Ms. Padma Lhazes, Project Officer, EDII Enterprising Ladakh.
During the engaging dialogue, faculty members shared their perspectives on entrepreneurship as a tool not just for profit, but as a social responsibility. They emphasized that entrepreneurial activities in Ladakh should be grounded in community welfare, cultural sensitivity, and local development.
Dr. Sunil Shukla echoed this vision by highlighting that entrepreneurship must be socially responsible and inclusive. He also emphasized that the dream of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) cannot be achieved 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 stated.
Using the example of Pashmina, he noted that although it originates in Ladakh, it is widely branded as Kashmir Pashmina. This, he said, reflects the urgent need to recognize, support, and brand local talent, products, and innovation. He urged faculty members to encourage students to add value to local life, local products, and local development, making Ladakh not just self-sufficient but globally competitive.
Dr. Shukla also spoke about faculty development programs and industry monitoring as crucial tools for nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset among educators. He stressed the importance of empowering teachers so they, in turn, can guide students with clarity and real-world understanding.
He concluded with an inspiring message for the people of Ladakh stating, “Ladakh should not be dependent on outsiders. You have the capabilities, resources, and unique identity to compete on the global stage. You can be your own boss — the sky is the limit.”
Project Director Dr Amit Kumar Dwivedi brief about the enterprising Ladakh and share vision and mission of Enterprising Ladakh.
Around 30 faculty and staff members attended the session, which created an open platform for idea exchange and future collaboration. The visit reaffirmed the important role that academic institutions like the University of Ladakh play in the Enterprising Ladakh mission—fueling a movement of job creators and change-makers rooted in the region’s unique cultural and economic context.
