Leh, Nov 9:
On the occasion of National Entrepreneurship Day, the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, inaugurated the “Enterprising Ladakh” initiative at EJM College, Leh, calling it a “milestone towards a self-reliant and innovative Ladakh.”
Addressing a gathering of students, entrepreneurs, and officials, the LG said Ladakh is “rapidly emerging as a symbol of innovation and self-reliance, reflecting the true spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.” He said the region’s collective efforts, backed by progressive governance and community innovation, are transforming it into a model of resilience and creativity.
Enterprising Ladakh, a flagship programme of the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad, in collaboration with the Department of Higher Education, UT Ladakh, aims to nurture local entrepreneurs and strengthen the startup ecosystem. The LG inaugurated the product wall and exhibition showcasing innovations by Ladakhi youth and released the Enterprising Ladakh Report and Catalogue.
Expressing pride that EDII launched its nationwide Entrepreneurship Fortnight from Ladakh, Shri Gupta said the initiative highlights the region’s growing prominence in innovation, employment generation, and sustainable enterprise.
Calling Ladakhi women the “true engines of development”, the LG praised their growing leadership in handicrafts, food processing, eco-tourism, and digital services. “When one woman progresses, an entire community moves forward,” he said, reaffirming the Administration’s commitment to empowering women through training, funding, and marketing support.
Encouraging students to take the lead in India’s entrepreneurship revolution, Shri Gupta urged, “Do not wait for opportunities—create them. Your ideas and energy are your true capital.” He said the Administration will focus on five key areas — strengthening supply chains, promoting sustainable enterprises, expanding digital connectivity, boosting financial and technical support to MSMEs, and celebrating outstanding entrepreneurs as role models.
He lauded Ladakh’s progress in solar energy, organic farming, eco-tourism, handicrafts, and cold-climate agriculture, calling for these strengths to be integrated with a strong entrepreneurial culture.
The LG praised Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General of EDII, and his team for inspiring innovation and self-reliance among youth, along with Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal and Secretary (Higher Education) Ms. Bhanu Prabha for implementing the programme effectively.
Administrative Secretary Bhanu Prabha informed that over 1,500 students have already been trained in enterprise development, MSME setup, banking, and marketing under the initiative.
Earlier, Dr. Sunil Shukla lauded the nationwide entrepreneurship momentum inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while Regional Director Amit Kumar Dwivedi delivered the vote of thanks.
Concluding his address, Shri Gupta said, “Ladakh should be known not just for its mountains and monasteries, but also for its innovators and entrepreneurs. Together, let us build a Ladakh that leads in innovation, embodies self-reliance, and contributes to India’s growth story.”
