Development and future of Ladakh is essentially linked with science: LG Mathur Ladakh Science Foundation celebrates NSD-2021 virtually in Ladakh.

Leh: “The development and future of Ladakh have to be compulsorily linked with science and scientific developments that suits our purpose and Ladakh’s fragile ecology. Commercialization of primary sector with the help of science is the golden path for Ladakh and UT Administration is determined to start this journey as fast as possible at the widest scale in the region,” asserted LG Mathur in his speech on the occasion of celebrating National Science Day in Ladakh.
Ladakh Science Foundation with its effort to create an environment for young minds in order to accelerate the curiosity to learn science and make scientific knowledge-based society today celebrated the National Science Day (NSD-2021) through virtual mode in Ladakh. The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, R K Mathur was the chief guest on the occasion.
A K Sahu, Commissioner/ Secretary Education; Mumtaz Ali, Director School Education, Chief Education Officer, Leh and Kargil, Tsering Tashi, Founder-LSF (Scientist ISRO); other panelists including Dr Sunil Kumar Wangchoo, SMVD University, Jammu; Dr Tsering Stobdan, Scientist, DIHAR-DRDO, Leh; Dr Subrat Sharma, Sr. Scientist, G.B Pant NIHE, Leh; Lobzang Punchok, Expert, artificial Intelligence & ML, HP Co. Bangalore; Dorjey Angchuk, Sr. Engineer, Indian Astronomical Observatory, Hanle, Dr, Tsering Stobdan, Scientist, University of California, USA and participating students from Leh and Kargil were present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, the Lt. Governor said that involving students in scientific activities is the best thing one can do and lauded Tsering Tashi, Founder LSF (Scientist ISRO) for his commendable efforts in promoting science in Ladakh which he said is a matter of satisfaction and pride for entire Ladakh. He stressed the need to make intense efforts in improving and promoting science and math-based knowledge among students in Ladakh at each level. He said that the country’s development is essentially associated with the development of science and children are the ones to shape the future by means of science. He pointed out the alarming need to address the gender gap in terms of literacy rate in Ladakh and make efforts to ensure 100% of students enrolment from next academic year.
The Lt. Governor made a mention of the Prime Minister’s talk on National Science Day in his Maan Ki Baat Programme on the radio today, where he insisted on the need to promote lab to land process, utilizing the discoveries of Indian scientists and researchers for the benefit of the country under Atma Nirbhar Bharat and catch the rain focusing primarily on the use of science for water management. Mathur highlighted the commitment of the Government of India to utilize science for skill and work creation. He spoke about GOI opening three major areas including space, defence and maps for private sectors that will ensure the creation of science, wealth and employment in the country.
Reiterating the lines spoke on the Republic Day this year, the Lt. Governor said that the development and future of Ladakh need to be associated with science and informed about various steps initiated in this direction with the involvement of national-level science and research institutions like CSIR, ICAR, ISRO, Indian Institute of Astro-Physic, DRDO-DIHAR, SKUAST and Universities by the UT Administration. An MoU with CSIR, ISRO helping with telemedicine equipment in Nyoma, Nubra and Zanskar, 6 Atal Tinkering Labs, 2 Astronomy Labs, 2 mobile science lab are measures taken to improve science infrastructure, said Mathur. He informed about the plans to establish two planetariums, make Hanle a dark sky sanctuary and to award the top scorer in science subject in 10th and 12th standard by the UT Administration.
LG Mathur advocated that the future of Ladakh depends on the commercialization of the primary sector given the rich and highly valuable resources like a variety of high-quality wool, cash crops, apricots, seabuckthorn, medicinal and aromatic plants, etc. with huge potential for entrepreneurship, productive employment and boost income generation by manifold. He said that commercialization of sectors like agriculture, horticulture, floriculture, handicraft and handloom is the golden path for Ladakh to ensure sustainable development and economic growth. He said that UT Administration is committed to taking Ladakh on the path of progress with the help of science.
As a part of NSD-2021, LSF organised Ladakh Science Olympiad, debate competition on the topic, ‘Carbon Neutral Ladakh’ and quiz competition in Leh and Kargil districts. The winners were awarded a cash prize, medal and certificate during the event today.