The first Ladakh Education Fair -2022 was celebrated in all the constituents’ colleges of the University of Ladakh on 19th & 20th August 2022. The mega event was an initiative of the Higher Education Department, UT Ladakh in collaboration with Ladakh Skill Development Mission and the University of Ladakh. The main aim and objective of the two-day event were to provide a platform to school and college students of Ladakh and expose them to the subjects outside their classrooms and syllabi. The theme of the event was Expand Your Horizon, where the attempt was to provide guidance, information, skills, career counselling, workshops, and opportunity to young learners.

Govt. Degree College Drass did not lack behind in making this event successful and productive for the participants. The preparations at the college started a fortnight in advance which was followed by extensive brainstorming, meetings and review meetings, efforts to identify experts in the relevant field, and arranging venue and logistics with a wish to make this event memorable and more importantly productive for the youngsters. College students were particularly sensitized about the importance of this event thus evoking student volunteerism among them for this two-day event.

Varied departments were cordially invited to put up an exhibition, and a stall in the designated venue. Vibrant resource persons from different backgrounds were roped in to inspire and benefit the young learners. Schools in and around Drass were sent an invitation to grace the occasion with their students and teachers.

Around eighteen hundred people visited the fair on 19th and 20th August at GDC Drass comprising mostly school and college students, parents, teachers, college faculties, and officials from different departments. A drinking water facility, lunch, conveyance, and refreshment for the visitors were also taken care of by the respective college.

INAUGURAL SESSION

Date: 19th August 2022

Time: 10:30 am- 12:30 pm

Shri R K Mathur, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, UT Ladakh was the chief guest who officially inaugurated the Ladakh Education Fair in an online mode, along with Srimati Padma Angmo, Commissioner Secretary, Higher Education Ladakh, Shri C. Phunsok, former VC, University of Ladakh. Shri Mubarak Shah, Hon’ble Executive Councillor was the guest of honor at GDC Drass, present with the other dignitaries from various schools and departments.

The program was started with an inaugural speech by Shri R K Mathur through video conference followed by a brief interaction by Madam Padma Angmo. Dr. Amjad Ali Abassi, Principal GDC Drass started with a welcome note to all the guests, parents, and students. He introduced the purpose and aim of the Ladakh Education Fair- 2022. The participants were appraised about the Ladakh Education Fair- 2022, an initiative of the Higher Education Ladakh in collaboration with the Ladakh Skill Development Mission to expand the horizon of the students. The worthy Principal also informed us that the two-day event shall be about technical sessions, information, skills, exploration, and career counseling, and shall offer opportunities to our young learners. Moreover, in his speech he stressed the necessity of nurturing our young generation as skilled, smart, and techno-savvy. He further argued that the future belongs to artificial intelligence and thus the need to equip college and school students with customized skilled-based courses which shall help them stay relevant in the machine-driven future.

Shri Mubarak Shah was grateful to GDC Drass, and the Principal in particular for the wonderful initiative, and requested the parents, and students to benefit from this two-day event. The guest of honour then inaugurated the stalls on display by different departments by participating in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

PARTICIPATING DEPARTMENTS IN THE LADAKH EDUCATION FAIR- 2022

1. Travel & Tourism, GDC Drass

The stall on display by the respective department was one of the major attractions during the fair. The Ethnic Food of Ladakh stall by a group of college students offering the multi-ethnic cuisine of Ladakh not only won the heart of the Drass people, but they also witness a rush of Indian tourists appreciating, and savouring the sumptuous food offered by these students with minimal pricing. The idea to have an ethnic food stall on no profit no loss was to introduce Travel & Tourism students to entrepreneurship, and managerial skills, and inspire them to have their start-ups in the future.

2. Wildlife Department Kargil

Another stall that attracted the maximum number of students was the Wildlife Department. Students from school & college were curious to know about the flora and fauna of Ladakh in general, and Drass in particular. Students were excited to use and know about modern gadgets like night vision binoculars, drones, trap cameras, non-lethal guns, and early warning systems to keep away wild animals like brown bears. The questions and queries were aptly answered by the resource person present at the stall.

3. Calligraphy Art by Ali Shujaie and Anwar Hussain

Many students also registered for a two-day training in calligraphy art. The experts taught the registered students the techniques and little details of becoming a good calligrapher in Urdu & Persian. On-hand training by Ali Shujaie and Anwar Hussain was very encouraging and inspiring to young minds. There was also an exhibition of calligraphy art by Anwar Hussain which was much liked by the general public.

4. Art & Skill Centre, GDC Kargil

Around twenty-five girl students registered for a two-day hand training in the art, craft, and design of Ladakh. The girls were divided into different groups under the guidance of an expert who taught them the techniques and nuances of knitting, and embroidery with Ladakh as the leitmotif in their designs.

5. EVS Department, GDC Kargil

Science projects by students were put on display in this stall. Model of mega Zojila project detailing the environmental impact along with its advantages, Rainwater harvesting, Biaras Mini Hydro project model was very much liked by the school students, and was also appreciated by visitors from different walks of life.

6. Library Department, GDC Drass

Books display on different subjects, story reading, and poetry recitations sessions arranged by college students for the school students were the main attraction of this stall.

7. Army Grenadier Regiment

The stall witnessed a large number of college students curious to know about the career and scope of the Indian army.

8. Labour Department

On-spot labor registration along with the information regarding loans and schemes was available on the stall.

9. SBI/ J&K Bank

On spot opening of free saving accounts for the students and the general public was felicitated by the bank employees. Information on various schemes and loans for students interested in higher education in India and abroad was also made available.

10. Social Welfare Department Kargil

Information regarding NSP scholarships (MoTA & MoMA) was available for High school and college students.

11. Forest Department Kargil

Cultivation, protection, and the importance of the indigenous Juniper plant (Shukpa in the local dialect) was the offering of this stall.

12. Agriculture & Horticulture Department Kargil

Awareness concerned with chemically grown vegetables and fruits and their hazards, and how to grow and cultivate organic fruits & vegetables was the main attraction of these departments.

13. Nehru Yuva Kendra Kargil

Different schemes related to the personality and skill development of rural youths were on display at this stall. Career options in NYK were also discussed in this counter.

14. Cooperative Department Kargil

Discussion on adopting organic farming, and the minimal use of chemical fertilizers for an Organic Ladakh in the future. The display of organic products like apricot oil, organic fertilizers, and apricot jam was the main attraction of this stall.

15. Animal Husbandry

Career as a veterinary doctor, medicines concerned with cows, sheep, and goats. The behaviour and food habits of cattle were briefed by the resource person in this stall.

A stall was also put by a medical team from Drass hospital on the venue to address any emergency if any. Besides they also offered free Covid-19 vaccination along with booster shots.

TECHNICAL SESSIONS ON 19th August

1. Resource person: Mr. Muzammil Hussain,      Founder of Roots Ladakh

Time: 12:30- 01:00 pm

Topic: Scope of Tourism in Drass

A talk on Drass as an emerging tourist destination with a particular focus on border tourism. Stressed on identifying unexplored and unknown locations in Kargil in general, and Drass in particular and bringing such places on the tourist map. Urged the youngsters to think of Tourism & Hospitality as a career, and encouraged new ideas to make Drass a sought-after destination for trekking, brown bears, and rock-climbing tourists. The talk was followed by a question & answer session.

2. Resource person: Mr. Iftikhar Hussain, Filmmaker

Time: 01: 00- 01:30 pm

Topic: Introduction to Filmmaking

An alumnus of world-renowned AJK MCRC, Jamia Millia Islamia, Mr. Iftikhar gave a talk on filmmaking and filmmaker as a career. He discussed the efforts a film crew has to put to make a film. The importance of film techniques like light, camera angle, dialogue delivery, and facial expressions of an actor was also discussed with the students. He also showed a few clips from his films and used them as a reference to clear the doubt and queries raised by the participants.

3. Resource person: Mr. Karamjeet Singh, Photographer

Time: 01:45 –02:15 pm

Topic: Photography as a Career

A well-known photographer from Kargil, Mr. Karamjeet focussed his presentation on the basics of photography and discussed photography as a hobby and a career. He showed some of his best photographs as references to discuss the idea, subject, light, camera, and the reason for capturing that particular mood. He argued that a career as a photographer is not well paid, is tough, and needs a lot of patience, grit, and perseverance if one wants to pursue it career

4. Resource person: Mr. Mohd Ibrahim, Scholar: Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Germany

Time: 02:30- 03:00 pm

Topic: Using Supercomputers to Understand Life

Mr. Ibrahim shared his journey from Kargil to one of the most renowned institutes in the world. He also discussed the admission procedure for Ph.D. in Europe and USA. Further, he discussed his topic of research and how supercomputers can help us to understand life better. Though a tough topic, the resource person made sure that he keeps his topic simple and y to understand by the young audience.

5. Resource person: Mr. Imtiyaz, Assistant Professor (Botany), GDC Drass

Time: 03:00- 03:30 pm

Topic: Job Prospect after Graduation

The respected resource person discussed the exams a student can take to get a job in a particular field. He discussed the various option available in SSRB, SSC, JKPSC, UPSC, Ph.D., which one can pursue as a career by appearing for qualifying exams, and interviews. The presentation was followed by a question-and-answer session.

TECHNICAL SESSION ON 20th AUGUST

The second day started with an online session by Mr. Ajeet Angral, Consultant, AICTE, New Delhi. He appreciated the efforts made by Ms. Padma Angmo, Commissioner Secretary, Higher Education Department, UT Ladakh for organizing an event of its kind. He then appraised the students about various scholarship programs by Govt. of India with a particular focus on PMSSS. He encouraged the students to take benefit from the available scholarships to pursue their dreams and ambitions.

Mr. Ajeet Angral session was followed by another online session by Dr. Tsering Tashi, Scientist, ISRO. He interacted with the students on the topic, Career in Space Science. He enlightened the participants about the various options available to seek a career as a space scientist, and the bright scope of space science & technology in Ladakh.

The third session was presided over by Dr. Azram Tahoor, Assistant Professor (EVS), GDC Drass. She spoke on Research Methodology in Science with special reference to Qualitative Ecology.

She was followed by Azra Khatoon, Assistant Labour Commissioner, and Kargil spoke on the preparations for competitive exams like KAS and UPSC.

The afternoon session was presided over by Ms. Shifa, founder of rZamba NGO. She appraised the role of an NGO in society. She discussed the important role an NGO can play to empower the marginalized in society. She also shared her personal experiences to talk about the gender bias and stereotypes of the Kargil society. Further, she elaborated on the role and responsibilities of her NGO, and her aims and objectives in the future.

The final session was on Alternative Career: Blogger, YouTuber by Mohd Ali Shabbir, Assistant Professor (English), GDC Kargil. He introduced the students to famous Indian bloggers and YouTubers who pursue blogging and YouTube as a full-time job thus earning millions. He further argued that technology can be exploited to the benefit of making a career and earning money. He also screened some YouTube videos and used those as a reference to talk about the idea, content, and story behind every famous blogger and YouTuber in India and abroad. Most of the technical sessions were followed by discussion, questions, and answers in the end.

Each resource person was given a traditional welcome, and a memento was presented to them at the end of their talk.

VALEDICTORY SESSION

Shri. Syed Mohd Shah, Hon’ble Councillor, Bhimbat, LAHDC was the chief guest for the valedictory session. Haji Mohd Baji, Haji Barkat Nizami, retd. bureaucrats were the guest of honor present with other dignitaries and staff from various departments.

Dr. Amjad Ali Abassi, Principal, GDC Drass briefed about the two-day event in his welcome speech. He was grateful and thanked the students, parents, teachers, and the departments who participated in this fair and therefore made it successful. He wished that in the future also the stakeholders will be more than happy to celebrate such efforts and initiatives. He congratulated

the Higher Education Department, UT Ladakh, and was immensely indebted to Madam Padma Angmo, Commissioner Secretary, Higher Education Department for showing great care and guidance to make this mega event possible in all the colleges. He further added that he is hopeful, and believes that in the future also the respective colleges will organize and celebrate such events with more experience and enthusiasm.

Mr. Amjad's speech was followed by a brief speech by the chief guest who congratulated GDC Drass for making this two-day event a success. In the end, mementos were presented to each participating school, department, and the speaker. Certificates were also awarded to student participants and volunteers.

CONCLUSION

The first Ladakh Education Fair -2022 was celebrated with great fervor and excitement by all the colleges in UT Ladakh. The two-day event exposed the young learners to varied fields and topics including on-hand training by experienced resource persons. GDC Drass shall remember the Ladakh Education Fair- 2022 as a challenge, an experience in event management skills, and also the realization that we have to work harder to make teaching interesting and innovative by adopting the latest teaching pedagogy. Overall, the experience was fruitful and productive for our students, and many new lessons were learned and shall be adopted in their classroom teaching by the respective college.