The University of Ladakh marked a momentous occasion with its first convocation held at the Sindhu Sanskriti Kendra, Leh. The ceremony, held on July 4, 2024,

UNIVERSITY OF LADAKH University of Ladakh's Historic First Convocation Marks a Milestone Leh, July 4, 2024 The University of Ladakh marked a momentous occasion with its first convocation held at the Sindhu Sanskriti Kendra, Leh. The ceremony, held on July 4, 2024, was a celebration of academic achievement and the spirit of progress. The esteemed Chief Guest, Brig. (Dr.) B. D. Mishra (Retd.), Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor, UT of Ladakh and Chancellor, University of Ladakh, graced the event with his presence. The first lady of Ladakh, Smt. Neelam Mishra also graced the occasion. His Eminence Thuksey Rinpoche, Chairperson Druk Padma Karpo School, Sh. Mohd. Jaffer Akhoon, CEC Kargil, adorned the ceremony with their presence.Prof. (Dr.) Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, delivered an inspiring convocation address as the Guest of Honour. The ceremony was further honored by the presence of Dr. Pawan Kotwal, IAS, Advisor to Hon'ble Lt. Governor and Pro-Chancellor, University of Ladakh, along with Prof. S. K. Mehta, the Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, University of Ladakh,C. Phunsog, Former VC, UoL, Ms. Padma Angmo, Commissioner/Secretary of Higher Education, and other distinguished dignitaries, esteemed Guests, faculty members, and alumni. The day commenced with students and faculty gathering at the venue, where they adorned themselves in academic regalia and prepared for the ceremony. The formal proceedings began with the academic procession, followed by the National Anthem and the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, symbolizing enlightenment and auspicious beginnings.An invocation delivered by students of the University set a contemplative tone, leading to the official opening of the Convocation Ceremony with the gracious permission of the Hon’ble Chancellor. This pivotal moment was followed by a heartfelt welcome speech delivered by the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, reflecting on the journey and achievements of the graduates.In his welcome address, Prof. S. K. Mehta congratulated students, parents, and welcomed Chief guest, guests, parents and media-personnel. He expressed immense pride, stating that this convocation marks a historic milestone for our university. Prof. Mehta also emphasized that we are confident our graduates will make significant contributions to society.The Vice-Chancellor expressed aspirations to elevate the University to new heights in the upcoming years, extending best wishes to all students for a brighter future and offering congratulations. A videography was showcased, emphasizing the facilities and student life at the University of Ladakh (UoL). Following this, Honorary Doctorates were conferred upon Prof. (Dr.) A. K. Sood, Sh. Chewang Norphel, and Sh.Akhone Asgar Ali Basharat in recognition of their achievements and contributions to society. The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier (DR) BD Mishra (Retd) in the First Convocation Ceremony of the University of Ladakh conferred degrees to 493 students, including 240 under-graduate and 253 post-graduates, were conferred with degrees. The Chief Guest, Brig. B. D. Mishra, delivered an inspiring address, highlighting the transformative power of higher education in regional and national development. He commended the increasing number of female students achieving excellence and emphasized the pivotal role of supportive parents in their success. Brig. B. D. Mishra also acknowledged the Vice Chancellor for his pragmatic leadership and commendable organization of the convocation, emphasizing the need for a campus environment conducive to academic pursuit and personal growth. Prof. A. K. Sood, PSA to GOI delivered the convocation address, congratulating the students and emphasizing that a nation's strength rests on four pillars: Education, Innovation, Science and Technology, Societal Values. He underscored that these pillars, when balanced, pave the way for national strength. He also discussed start-ups and addressed critical issues such as the serious implications of climate change and the rise in global temperatures. Professor Sood also spoke about Green Hydrogen and Solar resources in Ladakh, and highlighted the intersection of tourism, ecology, and the economy. He encouraged students, stating that a degree is a passport to a new life and emphasized the importance of their happiness being interconnected with that of those around them, urging them to focus on being good human beings. Degrees and special awards were bestowed upon graduates from various disciplines, recognizing their academic accomplishments. The ceremony featured these degrees being conferred by eminent dignitaries, underscoring the significance of the occasion. Additionally, vibrant cultural performances highlighted Ladakh's rich heritage and traditions, with students' traditional dances and songs contributing to the festive atmosphere of the event. The Vice Chancellor then honored Dr. Kotwal, Advisor to HLG, Sh. Mohd. Jaffer Akhoon, CEC Kargil, and Ms. Padma Angmo, Commissioner/Secretary of Higher Education. Finally, Professor Deskyong Namgyal, the Controller of Examination, presented a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all the esteemed dignitaries, guests, and parents, and congratulated the students on their achievements. With permission from the Hon’ble Chairperson, the academic procession concluded in reverse order, marking the end of the convocation. After the convocation, Centralized Interdisciplinary Science Instrumentation Centre-(CISIC)Lab was inaugurated at the University of Ladakh, Leh campus, by Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India in the presence of Dr. Pawan Kotwal, IAS, Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Hon'ble Vice Chancellor Professor S.K. Mehta, Dr. Riyaz M.K. Khan, Coordinator CISIC, other esteemed dignitaries and DST-PURSE team. During the inauguration, sophisticated instruments, including XRD, ICP-MS, BET, AAS, a multichannel electrochemical workstation, an advanced microscope, and protein and nitrogen analyzers, were demonstrated. The dignitaries also visited and appreciated the Geological Museum in the Department of Geology.