LG Mishra to confer degrees on 488 students
By Dr Ashu Rajput
Leh, June 26: Marking the culmination of the educational journey for as many as 488 of its students and celebrating their perseverance and achievements amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the Ladakh mountains, the University of Ladakh (UoL) is set to hold its first-ever convocation ceremony on July 4, at the Sindhu Sanskriti Kendra in Leh.
Prof S K Mehta, the Vice Chancellor, has been pivotal in organizing this historic event. Established in 2019, UoL has rapidly grown, and this convocation symbolizes its achievements and progress.
“No doubt, convocation is an important event of any university, but this convocation being the first convocation, shall be a red-letter day in the history of the University of Ladakh,” remarked Vice-Chancellor Mehta. He extended heartfelt congratulations to all the graduates, wishing them productive and meaningful careers.
The convocation will be graced by esteemed dignitaries, including the Chief Guest Brigadier (Dr) B D Mishra (Retd), Lieutenant Governor, UT of Ladakh, and Chancellor of UoL, adding a distinguished layer of prestige to the event.
Prof (Dr) Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, will deliver the Convocation Address as the Guest of Honour. Additionally, Dr Pawan Kotwal, IAS, Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor and Pro-Chancellor of UoL, will be present, underscoring the government’s commitment to higher education in Ladakh.
In a significant highlight of the event, Prof Sood will inaugurate the Centralized Interdisciplinary Science Instrumentation Centre (CISIC) in the presence of Dr. Kotwal. The UoL has reached a major milestone by securing the prestigious PURSE grant (Promotion of University Research and Scientific Excellence) of Rs. 6.78 crores from the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India.
This notable achievement underscores the university’s commitment to establishing a state-of-the-art instrumentation facility, essential for advancing research in Ladakh’s unique high-altitude environment.
The CISIC will house advanced instruments such as ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry), XRD (X-Ray Diffraction), BET surface area analyzer, and the Multichannel Electrochemical Workstation. These tools are crucial for precise material analysis and exploring new frontiers of knowledge.
The university will confer degrees upon 488 students enrolled in its Postgraduate (PG) and Undergraduate (UG) programs, including 77 PG students from the 2020 batch, 171 PG students from the 2021 batch, and 240 UG students from the 2020 batch. Medals will be awarded to outstanding students, recognizing their remarkable academic achievements and dedication to excellence.
Dr Bhupendra S. Yadav, Assistant Professor in the Department of Geology at the Leh Campus, highlighted the evolution of convocation ceremonies in India from simple ancient rituals to elaborate modern events celebrating academic achievements. This evolution reflects the dynamic nature of Indian education, merging rich cultural heritage with modern academic excellence.
The University of Ladakh, although a relatively young institution, has made significant strides since its establishment. The convocation ceremony holds immense significance for graduates, their families, and the academic community. It is a moment of pride, accomplishment, and reflection on their academic journey, celebrating the support of their families and the dedication of the faculty and staff.
Dr. Sonam Joldan, Dean of Academic Affairs, reflected on the broader vision and goals of the institution, aiming to be a catalyst for positive change in the region through education, research, and community engagement. The achievements celebrated during the convocation are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the students, the support of their families, and the commitment of the faculty and staff.
As the University of Ladakh celebrates this historic milestone, it looks forward to a future of continued growth, academic excellence, and impactful contributions to the Ladakh region and beyond.
The author is Assistant Professor (Education) & Member Convocation 2024 Media Committee, University of Ladakh.
