The Department of Computer Science and IT at the University of Ladakh, in collaboration with I Hub DivyaSampark IIT Roorkee and the DST Technology Enabling Centre, UOL proudly hosted the inaugural UOL APPATHON 1.0. This first-ever Android app development competition took place at the Kargil Campus, University of Ladakh, and provided a platform for young minds to innovate, collaborate, and develop digital solutions tailored to regional needs while aligning with global technological trends. The competition aimed to equip the youth of Ladakh with the skills necessary to thrive in the evolving digital economy. Events like these are vital for fostering teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills essential in today’s tech-driven world. Thirteen aspiring youth from various parts of Ladakh participated, with the competition assessing them based on three core parameters: app design, code implementation, and documentation & presentation. The expert judging panel included Mr. Iftiqar Hussain, District Informatics Officer, Kargil, and Mr. Asgar Ali, a seasoned app developer and founder of Ladagx Code Studio and Hash Himalaya, who lent their expertise to evaluate the projects. The Valedictory Function was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including the Honorable Chairman and Chief Executive Councilor of LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffar Akhon, as the Chief Guest, and the Honorable Vice Chancellor of the University of Ladakh, Prof. (Dr.) S.K. Mehta, as the Guest of Honor. Special guests, Mr. Iftiqar Hussain and Mr. Asgar Ali, were also present to lend their support. The event began with a traditional Khatak (white scarf) ceremony led by Dr. Mehboob Ali, InCharge Administration of Kargil Campus, UOL, along with Dr. Jaffar Ali Khan, Dean of Arts and Social Sciences, UOL, and other esteemed faculty members who warmly welcomed the dignitaries.Dr. Mehboob Ali In-Charge Administration of Kargil Campus, UOL delivered the welcome address, highlighting the significance of digital technology and India’s digital revolution. He praised the participants for their skills and contributions to technological innovation in Ladakh and beyond. Dr. Mehboob extended his gratitude to the Chief Guest for gracing the occasion and expressed appreciation for the support received from LAHDC Kargil. He also acknowledged the visionary leadership of the Guest of Honor, Prof. (Dr.) S.K. Mehta, whose guidance was instrumental in organizing UOL APPATHON 1.0 and promoting the overall development of the University. The competition’s top performer, Mr. Mohd Taqi from Damsna Sankoo, was awarded first place for his exceptional app development and coding skills. He presented his app and development Media and Publicity cell Kargil campus university of ladakh process, receiving much appreciation from the audience for his creativity and technical proficiency. Following this, Prof. (Dr.) S.K. Mehta, the Honorable Vice Chancellor, addressed the gathering, expressing his gratitude to the Chief Guest for his presence and emphasizing the importance of technology-based events that nurture start-ups and entrepreneurial ventures in Ladakh. Prof. Mehta highlighted the importance of building a tech ecosystem and supporting young entrepreneurs in the region. He proudly noted that the University of Ladakh is one of only ten institutions in India sanctioned a Technology Enabling Centre by DST, describing it as a significant achievement. He also mentioned the establishment of the I Hub DivyaSampark center from IIT Roorkee at the Kargil Campus as a milestone in promoting technology development, incubation, and start-ups in the region.Certificates and prizes were then awarded, with the distinguished guests presenting the awards. Mr. Mohd Taqi secured the first position, receiving a cash prize of Rs. 10,000, while the runner up, Mr. Imtiyaz Ali, was awarded Rs. 5,000. Mementos were also presented to the guests as tokens of appreciation for their invaluable contributions to the success of UOL APPATHON 1.0. The Chief Guest, Honorable Chairman/Chief Executive Councilor, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffar Akhon, delivered the keynote address, commending the participants and encouraging the youth of Ladakh to engage in entrepreneurship and innovation. He stressed the importance of developing apps for the larger social good, particularly in health and education, to provide efficient services. Dr. Mohd Jaffar Akhon applauded the visionary leadership of Prof. (Dr.) S.K. Mehta and the dedicated efforts of Dr. Mehboob Ali and his team in organizing the successful event. In recognition of the university’s efforts, Dr. Mohd Jaffar Akhon announced financial assistance of Rs. 10 lakh for the Kargil Campus and assured continued support from LAHDC Kargil in the future. The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Anwar Hussain, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and IT, who expressed gratitude to the Honorable Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Kargil, and the Honorable Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) S.K. Mehta, for their invaluable support. He also thanked all the stakeholders, especially the participants, for making the event a resounding success, reiterating the commitment of the organizing team to host even more impactful programs in the future.
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