Kargil Campus, University of Ladakh Hosts Five-Day IDE Bootcamp from 11th to 15th May 2026 in Collaboration with Ministry of Education, AICTE and Wadhwani Foundation.

Kargil Campus, University of Ladakh Hosts Five-Day Innovation, Design and Entrepreneurship (IDE) Bootcamp from 11th to 15th May 2026 in Collaboration with Ministry of Education, AICTE and Wadhwani Foundation.
Kargil, 11 May 2026: The inaugural session of the “Innovation, Design and Entrepreneurship (IDE) Bootcamp” was successfully organized at the Kargil Campus of University of Ladakh in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, AICTE and the Wadhwani Foundation. The Programme brought together academicians, entrepreneurs, faculty members and students on a common platform to encourage innovation, creativity and entrepreneurial thinking. The first day of the Programme was hosted by Dr. Qutsia Tabassum, whose composed conduct and effective coordination ensured the smooth and successful proceedings of the event.
The Programme began with the National Anthem, creating a sense of dignity and patriotism among the participants. Distinguished guests were welcomed with traditional Khataks, reflecting the rich cultural traditions and hospitality of Ladakh. The event was attended by several eminent personalities including Haji Mohammad Hanifa Jan, Member of Parliament and Chief Guest of the Programme; Dr. Faizan, Dean of Agriculture and Horticulture; Shri Gopal Sharma, Nodal Officer from the Ministry of Education; Shri Gopa Kumar, and Shri Ashiq Hussain Lone from the Wadhwani Foundation; Dr. Jaffar Ali Khan, Dean of Arts; and Dr. Sonam Lotus, Director of the India Meteorological Department.
Dr. Mehboob Ali, in charge administration, Kargil Campus, delivered the welcome address on behalf of the University of Ladakh. In his speech, he highlighted the remarkable academic progress of the university and mentioned that the institution had grown from offering 11 courses to 29 courses under the leadership of the present Honorable Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Dr) Saket Kushwaha. He expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education, AICTE and the Wadhwani Foundation for selecting the University of Ladakh as one of the host institutions for the bootcamp. He also informed the gathering about the installation of an Automatic Weather Station on the university campus under the guidance of Dr. Sonam Lotus. He described this development as an important step for strengthening research and academic infrastructure at the university. He concluded by expressing hope that the five-day bootcamp would greatly benefit students and participants by encouraging innovation and practical learning.
Shri Gopal Sharma, Nodal Officer from the Ministry of Education, addressed the gathering and spoke about the national importance of the IDE Bootcamp. He mentioned that the Programme was being conducted simultaneously at 30 locations across the country. According to him, the initiative reflects the vision of promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and self-reliance among the youth under the idea of Atmanirbhar Bharat. He encouraged students to remain confident in their ideas, work with dedication and interact actively with mentors and industry experts throughout the Programme.
Dr. Sonam Lotus delivered an inspiring address that focused on positivity, resilience and self-belief. He appreciated the enthusiasm shown by students and faculty members and shared lessons from his own life journey. He encouraged students to think positively and take calculated risks in life, stating that meaningful achievements often come through courage and perseverance. He also confirmed that the Automatic Weather Station had been successfully installed and that the data would be available online for academic and research purposes. Assuring full support from the India Meteorological Department, he further emphasized the importance of maintaining cleanliness and discipline on the campus.
Dr. Faizan, Dean of Agriculture and Horticulture, thanked the organizers for including students from his school in the bootcamp. He shared important updates regarding the university and informed the gathering that a Fisheries Department would soon be introduced, marking another step in the expansion of the university. He also appreciated the efforts made towards arranging permanent bus services for students. Speaking about the agriculture sector, he highlighted its vast entrepreneurial potential and encouraged students to explore opportunities in agriculture and allied fields. He advised participants to remain attentive during the bootcamp and apply the knowledge gained in practical and meaningful ways.
The Chief Guest, Shri Mohammad Haji Hanifa Jan, Member of Parliament, delivered a thoughtful and motivating address. He expressed happiness at being part of such an important Programme and remarked that initiatives like the IDE Bootcamp are especially valuable for regions like Ladakh where students possess immense talent but often require greater exposure and guidance. He praised the University of Ladakh for its contribution towards providing quality education to communities that previously lacked proper educational opportunities. He described Ladakhi students as hardworking and capable and emphasized that knowledge remains the foundation of progress in every field. He further encouraged students to think beyond regional boundaries and work towards achieving recognition at national and international levels. Highlighting the research potential of Ladakh, he pointed towards areas such as climate change, global warming, drought and environmental studies as important fields for future research. He also thanked the Ministry of Education and the Wadhwani Foundation for bringing such a meaningful Programme to Ladakh. In addition, he appreciated the efforts of the organizers, faculty members and volunteers who worked for the successful conduct of the event. He concluded by encouraging students to leave the bootcamp with broader ideas, stronger confidence and greater aspirations for the future.
The inaugural session concluded with the presentation of tokens of appreciation to all distinguished guests in recognition of their valuable presence and contributions. The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Zareena Banoo, who expressed sincere gratitude to the dignitaries, organizers, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ladakh, faculty members and participants for making the inaugural session successful and memorable.
Overall, the inaugural session of the IDE Bootcamp reflected the growing academic and research environment of the University of Ladakh while also emphasizing the importance of innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership among students. The Programme created a motivating atmosphere that encouraged participants to think creatively, work confidently and contribute meaningfully towards society and national development.