University of Ladakh (UOL) hosted the G20 University Connect Lecture Series on ‘Engaging Young Minds’ on the 30th of May 2023

University of Ladakh (UOL) hosted the G20 University Connect Lecture Series on ‘Engaging Young Minds’ on the 30th of May 2023. The event is being held as part of India’s Presidency of G20- an inter-governmental forum comprising 19 countries and the European Union. Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, initiated the G20 University Connect, which is being jointly organized by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), a New Delhi–led autonomous policy research institute. The objective is to engage with students from 75 universities around 56 locations across India and the University of Ladakh has been selected as one. The event was organised under the able leadership of Honourable Vice-Chancellor, Prof. S. K. Mehta. In his welcome address, Prof. S.K Mehta spoke about G20’s role in tackling global issues like climate change that are affecting Ladakh as well. He expressed his gratitude to the Government of India for providing and selecting the University of Ladakh as one of the host universities to organize an event of a national scale. The Chief Guest of the event was Honourable Lieutenant Governor, Brig. (Dr.) B. D. Mishra, who is also the Chancellor, the University of Ladakh. He congratulated Prof. S.K. Mehta for organizing the event of today’s G20 University Connect on the theme, “Projecting Ladakh as the Future Spiritual Destination of India.” He emphasized that no other place in the country is as well suited for a spiritual destination as Ladakh. The co-existence between nature and spirituality is well-established in Ladakh. Teachers, an atmosphere for learning, devotion, internal discipline, promotion of good character, intellectual quest, observing and achieving healthy physical fitness and best intellectual pursuit are required to become the spiritual destination that Ladakh already has. The monasteries, meditation centers, and learning institutions make Ladakh the best place to be a spiritual destination. He urged everyone to be one with the nation to take India to greater heights in spirituality. This was followed by a special lecture on “G20 Indian Presidency” by Professor Arvind Kumar, Centre for Canadian, United States and Latin American Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University. He outlined various aspects of India’s G20 Presidency and how these will shape the global future. This was followed by discussions on “Projecting Ladakh as the Future Spiritual Destination of India”. Venerable Sanghasena talked about spiritualism and everyday life, Venerable Dorjey Dolma talked about youth and spiritualism, Mr Visuddha spoke on spiritualism and tourism, Dhammachari Tsewang Norbu Vivek spoke on promoting Ladakh as a spiritual destination and Ms. Lobzang Tsendol focused on role of women in tourism and spiritualism. Faculty, the University of Ladakh, and students from various schools and colleges in Ladakh joined the programme. In the end, the vote of thanks was given by Dr. Jigmat Dechen, Dean, of Students Welfare.