DC Drass lays foundation stone of PM-USHA Girls’ Common Room at GDC-Drass, Attends the College’s Valedictory Function of Culinary Arts & Nutrition Workshop.

DC Drass lays foundation stone of PM-USHA Girls’ Common Room at GDC-Drass, Attends the College’s Valedictory Function of Culinary Arts & Nutrition Workshop.
Drass, May 16, 2026: Deputy Commissioner, Drass Imteeaz Kacho laid the foundation stone of the Multipurpose Girls’ Common Room under the PM-USHA Gender Inclusive Equity Initiative in Government Degree College, Drass, today in the presence of Ishtyaq Kacho, Superintendent of Police, Drass; Councillors of LAHDC-Kargil Abdul Samad and Shri Abdul Wahid; Vishal Atri, Sub-Divisional Magistrate,Drass; Nasir Shabani, Principal of the College and Assistant Executive Engineer, R&B-II Zakir Hussain. They also planted saplings in the College Campus.
The foundation stone event marked an important milestone as the initiative aims to strengthen gender-inclusive infrastructure within the institution and will provide better facilities and a supportive environment for female students.
The dignitaries also attended the College’s Multi-Regional Food Festival (2026) and the Valedictory Function of the PM-USHA Culinary Arts & Nutrition Workshop along with Commanding Officer, 16 Grenadiers, Colonel Vikas Dixit, other officials from the administration, education sector and civil society. The event commenced with an elaborate display of food items prepared by students, workshop participants and faculty members. Around seventy (70) dishes representing regional, traditional, continental and modern cuisines were showcased during the festival. The colourful presentation of food items reflected the creativity, culinary skills and dedication of the participants and was appreciated by the guests and visitors present on the occasion.
While addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner appreciated the remarkable efforts of Government Degree College, Drass, in successfully organising the workshop and food festival while also lauding the efforts of the Principal in getting the foundation stone of the Multipurpose Girls’ Common Room laid. He expressed hope that the construction of the facility will get completed at the earliest so that it can be put to the best use. He spoke about the significance of PM-USHA and highlighted how such initiatives can benefit students, educational institutions and society by promoting skill development, vocational education, entrepreneurship, and practical learning opportunities. He also appreciated the enthusiasm, creativity and talent displayed by the students and encouraged them to make full use of such programmes for their personal and professional growth. Further, Kacho stressed on how PM-USHA has turned out to be a game-changer in the higher education sector of Ladakh.
The guests were welcomed with khatags followed by a welcome address by the College Principal Nasir Shabani. He highlighted the importance of skill-based education and practical learning opportunities under PM-USHA while appreciating the efforts of the organizers and resource persons in successfully conducting the workshop and encouraging students to develop vocational and entrepreneurial skills.
While addressing the gathering, the Guest of Honour Ishtyaq Kacho appreciated the initiative taken by the college in promoting creativity, cultural diversity and practical learning among students. He encouraged the students to continue participating in such constructive and skill-oriented programmes. Further, he encouraged the NCC students to continue with their drills and gave assurance to keep guiding them.
The five-day PM-USHA Culinary Arts & Nutrition Workshop, which commenced on 11th May, witnessed the participation of around thirty (30) students. The workshop was conducted by resource persons Shehnaz Khan and Suriya Bano from the State Institute of Hotel Management, Leh. During the workshop, participants received practical training in preparing continental dishes, salads, pizzas and traditional cuisine with a modern twist. Special emphasis was also laid on maintaining hygiene, cleanliness, nutrition awareness, food safety and proper kitchen practices.
The dishes prepared by the students were evaluated and assessed by the workshop resource persons along with Ishfaq, Pickle Making Skill Instructor. The best-performing participants were recognised and the top five (5) winners were awarded prizes for their outstanding culinary skills and presentation.
On the occasion, NCC cadets of the college who participated in a 10-day NCC Camp at Kargil were felicitated for securing first positions in different categories. Special recognition was also given to a cadet selected for the prestigious Republic Day Parade (2027) at New Delhi, bringing pride and honour to the institution.
The programme was coordinated by Archo Fatima Nissa, Assistant Professor, Department of English, whose dedicated efforts ensured the smooth and successful conduct of the event. The valedictory programme concluded with a vote of thanks presented by Parveen Fatima, Convener PM-USHA, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, resource persons, faculty members, students, media fraternity and all stakeholders for their support and cooperation in making the programme successful and memorable.