Leh: The University of Ladakh marked a momentous occasion with the inauguration of the Centralized Interdisciplinary Science Instrumentation Centre (CISIC) by Padma Shri Prof. (Dr.) Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor, Government of India, and Dr. Pawan Kotwal, IAS, Advisor to the Hon’ble Lt. Governor and Pro-Chancellor of the University of Ladakh. The CISIC, established under the visionary leadership of Prof. S.K. Mehta, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ladakh, aims to enhance the scientific research capabilities of the region.
The inauguration ceremony commenced with faculty members, non-teaching and administrative staff, and students gathering at the entrance of CISIC. The dignitaries were warmly received by Prof. Mehta, Dr. Sonam Joldan, DAA, Mr. Nawang Tundup, Incharge Registrar, Dr. Subrat Sharma, Dean of Research, and Dr. Riyaz M.K. Khan, Coordinator of CISIC. Esteemed guests, including Prof. Talat Ahmad, Council Member of UoL, B.M. Sharma, PCCF, UT of Ladakh, Dr. Annapurni Subramaniam, Director of IIAP, Bangalore, Mrs. Anita Sood, and Prof. (Dr.) Neena Mehta, Dean Academics of Rayat Bahra Dental College and Hospital, Mohali, graced the occasion with their presence.
The inauguration ceremony began with the unveiling of the plaque at the entrance of CISIC, followed by the ribbon-cutting at the entrances of individual labs by Prof. Sood and Dr. Kotwal. The dignitaries toured the high-end sophisticated instrumentation facilities within CISIC, which are spread over three floors and include XRD, ICP-MS, BET, AAS, a multichannel electrochemical workstation, an advanced microscope, and protein and nitrogen analyzers. The use of these instruments was explained and demonstrated by faculty members and the PURSE team.
CISIC was developed with generous financial support from the Department of Science and Technology (DST), New Delhi, and the UT administration, Ladakh. The dignitaries also visited and appreciated the Geological Museum in the Department of Geology. At the end of the guided visit to CISIC, Prof. Sood commented in the visitor’s book, “Very impressive set of equipment and facilities which will go a long way in strengthening the Science and Technology ecosystem. Congratulations to the University, UT administration for support and DST for the PURSE grant.”
Dr. Pawan Kotwal, Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, praised the new state-of-the-art laboratory at the University of Ladakh during its inauguration ceremony on [Date]. The advanced lab, a key development for the campus, marks a significant milestone in the university’s growth and commitment to scientific inquiry.
Dr. Kotwal lauded the lab’s potential to enhance research efforts in Ladakh, stating, “This splendid lab is a major asset for research and development in Ladakh. I am confident that it will serve as a catalyst for innovation and academic excellence. I wish the faculty and students all the best and assure them of the full support of the UT administration in their future endeavors.”
Dr. Annapurni Subramaniam, former Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics expressed her enthusiasm for the progress made since her last visit to the campus. “It was a wonderful visit. I had been here two years ago, and it is incredible to see how much the campus has expanded in that time,” Dr. Subramaniam remarked. “I am extremely happy to have had the opportunity to interact with the faculty and students. I also want to commend the successful implementation of the DST PURSE program, which has been managed exceptionally well.”
Prof. Mehta concluded the ceremony by thanking all the dignitaries for gracing the inaugural event. The inauguration of CISIC was well-organized and showcased by DST-PURSE and MRDP staff, marking a significant milestone in the University of Ladakh’s journey towards scientific excellence. The DST PURSE (Promotion of University Research and Scientific Excellence) program, a significant initiative by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), has been instrumental in providing the university with the resources necessary for advanced research and development projects.
