Leh: The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, today said that Ladakh is rapidly emerging as a symbol of innovation and self-reliance, reflecting the true spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
He emphasised that the collective efforts of the people, backed by progressive governance and community-driven innovation, are transforming the region into a model of resilience and creativity for the nation.
The Lt Governor was speaking at the inauguration of the Enterprising Ladakh initiative on the occasion of National Entrepreneurship Day at EJM College, Leh. He described the initiative as “a powerful step towards realising the aspirations of a new Ladakh and the vision of a self-reliant India.”
Enterprising Ladakh—a flagship project of the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad—is being implemented in collaboration with the Department of Higher Education, UT Ladakh. The Lt Governor inaugurated the product wall and exhibition showcasing innovations by budding entrepreneurs and released the Enterprising Ladakh Report and Catalogue.
Expressing satisfaction that EDII has launched the nationwide Entrepreneurship Fortnight from Ladakh, the Lt Governor said this underlines the region’s emergence as a centre of innovation, employment generation, and self-reliance in the Himalayas.
Speaking on Ladakh’s journey “from challenges to opportunities,” Gupta said that despite harsh terrain and long winters, Ladakh has carved its identity in solar energy, cold-climate agriculture, eco-tourism, handicrafts, wool products, and organic farming. “Now is the time to integrate these strengths with a strong culture of entrepreneurship to ensure sustainable growth,” he said.
Commending the collaboration between the government and academia, he praised Dr. Sunil Shukla and his team from EDII for inspiring innovation and self-reliance among youth. He also appreciated Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal and Secretary (Higher Education) Bhanu Prabha for ensuring the success of the initiative at the grassroots.
Welcoming the implementation of the RAMP scheme in Ladakh, the Lt Governor said it will provide capital, training, and market access to youth and women entrepreneurs, enabling Ladakh to scale new heights of self-reliance.
He stressed that entrepreneurship is about transforming ideas into opportunities. “It is the spirit of self-reliance—it generates jobs, strengthens local economies, and drives social change,” he said. The Lt Governor lauded Ladakhi youth for moving from job-seeking to job-creating, turning local traditions and resources into modern enterprises.
Highlighting the role of education, he said entrepreneurship learning must go beyond textbooks and nurture innovation and risk-taking. He urged all colleges and technical institutes to establish Entrepreneurship and Innovation Cells to convert ideas into viable enterprises.
Praising Ladakh’s women entrepreneurs, the Lt Governor called them “the true engines of development,” noting their growing presence in handicrafts, food processing, eco-tourism, and digital services. “When one woman progresses, an entire community moves forward,” he said, reaffirming the Administration’s commitment to empower women through training, funding, and marketing support.
Outlining the Administration’s roadmap, Gupta said the government will focus on five key areas—strengthening local supply chains, promoting sustainable enterprises, expanding digital connectivity, enhancing financial and technical support to small industries, and recognizing outstanding entrepreneurs as role models. These steps, he said, will make Ladakh a model for sustainable mountain economies worldwide.
Addressing the youth, the Lt Governor urged them, “Do not wait for opportunities—create them. Your ideas and energy are your true capital.” He said Ladakh should be known not only for its mountains and monasteries but also for its innovators and entrepreneurs.
Concluding his address, Gupta expressed pride in young entrepreneurs who have turned their dreams into reality and thanked all organizers and mentors for their commitment. “Together, let us build a Ladakh that leads in innovation, embodies self-reliance, and contributes to India’s growth story,” he said.
The Lt Governor also interacted with young entrepreneurs at the exhibition, appreciating their ventures in handicrafts, handloom, and horticulture.
Administrative Secretary Bhanu Prabha shared that around 1,500 students have been oriented in enterprise development, MSME setup, banking, and marketing under the Enterprising Ladakh initiative, expecting a surge in MSME registrations this year.
Administrative Secretary Rudra Goud PT highlighted the initiative’s role in nurturing entrepreneurial skills and encouraged students to balance academics with startup ambitions.
Earlier, Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII Ahmedabad, lauded the nationwide entrepreneurship revolution driven by the Hon’ble Prime Minister and praised Ladakh’s proactive youth. The vote of thanks was delivered by Amit Kumar Dwivedi, Regional Director (Northern Region), EDII Ahmedabad.
