The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, RK Mathur, today attended the Annual Day-cum-Mega Losar Fest organised by Ladakh Students Welfare Society Delhi (LSWSD) in New Delhi. His Eminence Thuksey Rinpoche; His Eminence Palga Rinpoche; Chairman, LAHDC Leh, Advocate Tashi Gyaslon; Member of Parliament from Ladakh, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal; Member, National Commission for Minorities, Rinchen Lhamo; leaders of political and religious organisations, parents and students attended the event.
Congratulating LSWSD for nearing 50 years of its formation, LG Mathur appreciated the Delhi Students’ organisation for its various initiatives for the welfare of students, patients and also for the promotion of Ladakhi culture. Terming youth as the future of Ladakh, he advised the students to not only look for government jobs but also explore various entrepreneurship opportunities. He stated that Ladakh has the potential to become one of the richest states/UTs in the country.
LG Mathur stated that the Administration along with both the Hill Councils is now able to pay undivided attention to meet all the existing infrastructure-deficit vis-à-vis the rest of the country after the formation of Union Territory. He also stated that Ladakh has great earning potential, especially in the primary sector. He further stated that the Mission Organic Development Initiative (MODI) scheme initiated by the Hill Council, Leh is an effort to make Ladakh a fully organic state. LG Mathur shared that the Administration and both the Hill Councils are working on growing vegetables in sub-zero temperatures in the winter in the triple polycarbonate greenhouses.
LG Mathur stressed the need for Ladakh to become a 12-month economy instead of a 6-month economy in the field of tourism, agriculture and other sectors. He emphasised that growing good-quality vegetables, medicinal and nutraceutical plants in the primary sector will improve the economy of the people of Ladakh. He stated that students can start their enterprises and units in the primary sector for livelihood opportunities instead of looking for jobs.
Stating that nature has been kind to Ladakh, LG Mathur emphasised the need for developing a large number of first-generation entrepreneurs as the future of Ladakh lies in this area. He cited the examples of young entrepreneurs who exported their products outside Ladakh. Calling Ladakh a young society, he stated that it is the youth who generates new ideas, new sources of income and helps the society become economically and culturally strong.
LG Mathur highlighted the issue of the poor birth rate in Ladakh and stated that Ladakh needs to have the required replacement rate. He advised the youth to focus on sports, physical and spiritual growth along with academic growth. Highlighting the potential of sports in Ladakh, LG Mathur urged the students to play sports and also focus on spirituality other than academics to become complete citizens.
LG Mathur highlighted various efforts being made by the UT Administration along with both the Hill Councils for the growth of higher education in Ladakh. He stressed the need for students to go for higher education to reach the target of 50% higher gross enrolment ratio (GER). He expressed hope to see Ladakhi youth going in the right direction and actively participating in the overall growth of the Ladakhi society and also the nation.
