Gulmarg, March 14: 80 students from various parts of country including many from Kashmir on Saturday successfully completed “National Ski Course” from Indian Institute of Skiing & Mountaineering (IISM) at Gulmarg.
On the occasion, a graduation ceremony was held at IISM in which R S Singh, Comdt. 176 CRPF was the chief guest who gave away the certificates and medals to the winners of various events. Among those who completed the course were engineers and school/college/university students.
It is pertinent to mention here that it was the sixth batch of ‘National Ski Course’ which has graduated from IISM Gulmarg.
JS Dhillon Principal IISM welcomed the guest and highlighted various activities being undertaken by the institute. He said that adventure training is very essential part of our education to develop the personality of our youth which cannot be done in the protected environments of schools and colleges. He said that IISM is popular Institute of the Nation and plays a very vital role to promote adventure tourism in the J&K. “IISM is the best institute in South East Asia where students are provided centrally heated accommodation. The institute has world class ski equipments, snow beating machines and an excellent team of instructors to impart training of very high standards. Adventure training motivates students to face all challenges of life in cheerful manner and distracts them from social evils,” said JS Dhillon.
R S Singh expressed his deep sense of satisfaction over the excellent conduct of training by IISM. He said that he is very happy to see the hard work put in by Col JS Dhillon and his staff to not only revive this institute but also make it the best in South East Asia. He said that such courses are very important to make our youth self-reliant. “By undertaking Ski courses, one develops a strong bonding with their peers which lasts for rest of their life.”
Dhillon said that Kashmir is the most beautiful place on the earth and students after completing this course should become our ambassadors to tell their families and friends to visit Gulmarg and enjoy this paradise. He said that there is a misconception and fear created by certain vested interest in the mind of the people to not visit Kashmir which can be dispelled by students of IISM. He said our courses generate employment opportunities for the local youth who after courses engage in adventure tourism as guides and instructors. “These courses also help to develop the personality of the participants through their exposure to challenging situations.”
Students also expressed their satisfaction over high standards of the institute. They were all praise for the excellent facilities offered to them by IISM. All of them expressed a desire to repeat the course and tell their friends to avail the opportunity which is sponsored by Ministry of Tourism.
