NIT Srinagar empowers 700 Ladakh youths with MSME entrepreneurship training

Srinagar : A comprehensive two-week Entrepreneurship Awareness Program, designed to ignite entrepreneurial spirit and technological skills among Ladakh’s youth, concluded successfully on Wednesday. The program reached over 700 students, connecting them with vital resources and opportunities in the technology sector.
The workshop organized by the Department of Mechanical Engineering at NIT Srinagar, in collaboration with NIELIT Leh and the University of Ladakh was sponsored by the Ministry of MSME, Government of India.
The valedictory session was graced by Dr. Phuntsog Toldhan, Director of NIELIT Ladakh. Prof. Binod Kanaujia , Director NIT Srinagar, served as the Chief Patron for the event. The program focused on equipping participants with practical skills in high-demand areas, including high-altitude drone piloting, 3D printing, laser engraving, UV printing, IoT, solar energy, robotics, and automation. “This program marks the beginning of a sustained effort by NIT Srinagar to cultivate a technology-driven culture in Ladakh,” stated Dr. Dinesh Kumar Rajendran, Nodal Officer of the MSME ESDP Scheme, who highlighted the region’s vast potential and the government’s commitment to supporting aspiring entrepreneurs. “We aimed to bridge the gap in technical institutions and empower young individuals to leverage technology for their entrepreneurial ventures,” he said. Dr Dinesh also acknowledged the instrumental support of Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Binod Kanaujia, Registrar Prof. Atik-ur-Rehman, and Dean Research and Consultancy Prof. Roohie Naaz in making the program possible. Dr. Toldhan said that there is importance of collaboration in fostering technology-based skill development. We are delighted to partner with NIT Srinagar and are exploring future collaborations, including a high-altitude drone competition, to further benefit the youth and entrepreneurs of Ladakh, he said. Mushtaq Ahmed, Technical Officer and NIELIT Coordinator, also provided support throughout the entire process.
Meanwhile Mr. Mohd Salim, a program coordinator, noted the overwhelming response, with over 2,000 students registered at their center.
We hope this program will inspire more entrepreneurs, building upon the success of emerging ventures like Ladakh Electro Hub and Ladakh Paragliding Adventure, and contribute to the technological advancement of Ladakh,” he said. The program was convened by Dr. Phuntsog Toldhan and Dr. Dinesh Kumar Rajendran, with coordination support from Dr. Mehaboob of the University of Ladakh and Mr. Mohamad Salim of NIELIT Leh.