Kargil, August 24: Commissioner/Secretary (Hr. Edu/Tech. Edu/S&TW/Information), UT Ladakh, Padma Angmo today inaugurated the 2nd Edition of Ladakh Education Fair-2023  at GDC Drass. The theme of the fair was “Aspire to Inspire.”

The two-day education fair is being organized in  different  Degree Colleges of Ladakh on 24th and 25th of August. The idea of organizing the Ladakh Education Fair was originally conceived  in 2022.

It is an umbrella programme to educate and create awareness among people in general and students in particular about Choice of Subjects, Career Guidance, Apprenticeship and Scholarships besides exposing students to skilling opportunities.

* Click to Follow Voice of Ladakh on WhatsApp *

The event not only aims to provide platform for both college and school students to interact with experts from different fields but also endeavors to teach students through fun-based activities by using modern education techniques.

The Commissioner/Secretary was the chief guest whereas Imteeaz Kacho, Additional Secretary, Higher Education Department/Joint Director Information, Ladakh was the guest of honour during the inaugural ceremony. Sonam Lotus, Scientist-D (Meteorologist) Station Head, Srinagar was present as special guest.

Dr Amjad Ali Abbassi, principal of the college, formally welcomed the guests by presenting them with shawls and khataks and briefed about the aims and objectives of the ‘Ladakh Education Fair-2023’. He expressed his gratitude to the Commissioner Secretary and UT Administration for their constant support in the progress of GDC Drass.  

Padma Angmo appreciated the efforts of the Principal, staff members and students for organizing such an effective and successful event at a place like Drass.

She was also pleased to see resource persons from different fields and backgrounds. She also praised the girl students of GDC Drass for being open and confident and assured the student council of the college that their demands like introduction of different skill courses at the college will be taken into consideration at the earliest.

Emphasizing on the importance of community involvement in the progress of education, she lauded the people of Drass for their active involvement in taking GDC Drass to new heights within a short span of time.

She also said Ladakh Education Fair will provide a platform for students to interact with experts from the fields of education, armed forces, health services successful professionals in the field of Film, Journalism, Artificial Intelligence, Tourism and in other fields. She also said that entrepreneurs from Ladakh will be invited to have an interactive session with the students. 

Stressing over the skill development of the students in various fields, the Commissioner/Secretary said skills have become crucial for students to compete with the market needs. She said many skill courses have been introduced in various colleges and more courses will be introduced in coming years. Further, she urged students to take maximum benefit of the two–day education fair.

There were around 22 stalls from different departments. Assistant Professor, Sajad Hussain, conducted the entire inaugural session and Syed Mehmood Shah a 5th-semester student presented the vote of thanks.

Post-lunch, various technical sessions were held in which students of college and schools participated. In the first technical session, Sonam Lotus, Scientist-D (Meteorologist) Station Head Srinagar spoke on the topic “Environment/Climate Studies”.

He spoke about careers in Atmosphere Science and Meteorology and its importance in day life. Further, he stressed on how one must be passionate about their career and goals.

Sonam Lotus also explained the distinction between a job and a career and stated that one should always opt for a career rather than a job, as job is something one does due to soco- economic compulsions and a career is something driven by passion and interest. 

The second speaker of the session was Imteeaz Kacho. He talked at length at about career prospects in civil services, importance of skill development courses from the perspective of livelihood and the need for students to inculcate reading habits.

Further, he advised students to live in  the present moment and enjoy college life while also chalking out careers plans.

The third speaker of the session was Ajmad Raza Badgami, writer and scholar. Focusing on preserving the distinct identity of history, culture, he advised the audience to take interest in studying local history.

He further discussed the history of Ladakh by arguing that it was actually started from 900 AD in which three important communities viz the Mon, Mongol, and the Dard had played role in the history of Ladakh.

The last speaker of the session was Major Saurabh Singh, Infantry Officer from 55 RR Battalion, who spoke on “Career Opportunities Indian Army”.

He discussed in detail the career opportunities in India by specially focusing on the level of entries in the army. Additionally, he stressed that one should join army only when there is an inner calling, courage and dedication. He also talked about the salaries and other perks for army which makes the profession as a distinct career. 

Technical sessions were conducted by Assistant Professors Sajad Hussain, Shabir Hussain, Mohd Ali Shabir and Stanzin Stamdin respectively.

The programme concluded with various student activities like display of talents, quiz competition, spellathon etc. jointly hosted by Red FM Drass and GDC Drass.   

Earlier, the   Commissioner/Secretary  visited the site of the construction of new Degree College campus which includes Girls Hostel, Boys Hostel, Staff Quarter, Administration Building and college building.

While expressing satisfaction over the quality of work done and progress achieved till date, she gave directions for completing the remaining works within the set timelines. She stressed on maintaining high-quality of materials without fail.