Gurdaspur, February 21:
Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, on Friday said India’s youth will play a decisive role in shaping the destiny of the nation and in realising the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Addressing the Annual Convocation Ceremony at Government College, Gurdaspur, the Lieutenant Governor awarded degrees to 247 students and presented the Roll of Honour to five meritorious students.
Emphasising the role of education in nation-building, he urged graduates to cultivate innovation, integrity and a spirit of service. He called upon educational institutions to focus on holistic learning that blends academic excellence with character-building and sustainable innovation.
“The vision of a developed India by 2047 can only be achieved when youth actively participate in governance, entrepreneurship, research and community development,” he said, encouraging students to become job creators rather than job seekers.
Describing the occasion as emotional and personally significant, the Lieutenant Governor recalled his own days as a student of the same institution, stating that his journey from the classroom to public office was rooted in discipline, values and responsibility.
Highlighting his experience in Ladakh, he said serving the Union Territory is a sacred commitment to nation-building. He spoke about extensive tours to remote and border villages and interactions with youth and soldiers’ families, underlining that governance is built on service and trust.
The Lieutenant Governor also referred to recent advancements in higher education in Ladakh, particularly at the University of Ladakh, where modern laboratories and digital infrastructure are strengthening research and academic standards.
Referring to his participation in the India AI Impact Summit, he highlighted the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence in sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture and governance, while stressing the need for ethical and inclusive use of technology.
Later, he was conferred the Shri Laxmi Chander Vishist Sewa Rattan Award in recognition of his distinguished public service and contribution to nation-building.
The ceremony concluded with the National Anthem after the presentation of the college’s annual report and addresses by dignitaries, including Vice Chancellor Sandeep Sharma of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University.
