Ladakh’s first entrepreneurship day showcases local innovations

The Union Territory of Ladakh observed its first-ever National Mega Entrepreneurship Day in Leh that was organised by the Department of Higher Education and implemented by the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Gujarat.

Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta participated in the event and commended the young entrepreneurs of Ladakh for their creativity, determination and contribution to the region’s economic future.

Students from across Ladakh, including the remote regions of Changthang and Drass, participated in the celebration, showcasing a diverse range of locally inspired and skill-based products developed over the last four months.

Their exhibits included crochet crafts, eco-solar innovations, mushroom spa products, Drass pickles, graphic design works, bakery delights, Kharnak embroideries, Himalayan apple crisps, and many other creative ventures. The display reflected the entrepreneurial spirit of Ladakh’s youth and the region’s potential for sustainable, locally driven economic growth.

Addressing the gathering, Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII, urged the youth to transform themselves from job seekers into job creators, emphasising the importance of leveraging various government schemes focused on entrepreneurship and youth empowerment. He underscored that the initiative aims to promote local skills, cultural heritage, and tradition-oriented education, integrating skill-based learning within schools and beyond academics.

Rudra Goud, Administrative Secretary of Industries, elaborated on the MSME schemes and their benefits for small businesses, such as access to bank loans, design and research projects, and export support for local products. He encouraged students and aspiring entrepreneurs to dream big and overcome limitations, expressing confidence that Ladakh could emerge as a “unicorn hub” in the near future.

L-G Gupta congratulated the students and participants for their remarkable enthusiasm and creativity. He noted that Ladakh stands among 22 states and UTs celebrating this special day and praised the region for embracing entrepreneurship despite its fragile ecosystem and challenging climate.

He appreciated EDII’s efforts in empowering youth and women through training and innovation, noting the vital role of women’s self-help groups and tourism-based enterprises in inspiring others. He further emphasised the importance of eco-friendly sustainability, digital integration, and e-commerce in shaping a prosperous future for Ladakh. He reaffirmed the Administration’s commitment to supporting such developmental activities, encouraging youth to rely on their skills and innovation.