Diplomat Correspondent
Leh, DD, The Chairman/CEC, LAHDC Leh, Adv. Tashi Gyalson was called on by a delegation from Sindhu Central University (SCU), Khaltsi.
The delegation was led by Bhanu Prabha (IAS), Administrative Secretary, Education, UT Ladakh to formally invite the CEC to the university’s first convocation.
The convocation is scheduled to be held on 22nd July at the CIBS auditorium in Leh.
The delegation also apprised the CEC of recent academic developments, particularly the launch of a new Master’s course in Buddhist Studies, which is set to commence in the first week of August.
The delegation included Dr. B. Chandrasekar, Executive Director EDCIL and Secretary of the Executive Council of SCU; Prof. Sachin Gunthe IIT Madras, Faculty In-Charge for SCU and Dr. Phuntsog Dolma, Adjunct Faculty, SCU.
The team apprised the CEC on the newly introduced Master’s in Buddhist Studies program wherein the students will be provided with hostel accommodation and basic amenities.
During the interaction, CEC Adv. Tashi Gyalson appreciated the university’s initiative and expressed full support on behalf of LAHDC Leh.
CEC raised an important concern regarding the non-recognition of traditional monastic degrees, particularly from monasteries in southern India.
He suggested that the university should consider affiliating such monastic institutions to help grant recognition to their academic efforts. This step, he said, would also facilitate the provision of scholarships to meritorious students in such courses.
In addition, CEC encouraged the university to widen its academic scope by introducing diverse and relevant programs in areas such as International Relations, Defence Studies, and National Security, keeping in view Ladakh’s strategic importance and the need for local youth to engage with national and global issues.
He also advised the delegation to ensure greater visibility and outreach of SCU’s academic offerings through print and mainstream media, so that students are informed and can benefit from the educational opportunities.
The delegation further apprised the CEC of various ongoing academic collaborations with monasteries across Ladakh, and assured him of exploring all the suggestions put forward during the meeting.
Additionally, the signing of a MoU with the Council was also discussed.
CEC concluded the meeting by commending the university’s work in shaping quality higher education in Ladakh and reaffirmed the Hill Council’s commitment to support SCU’s continued development and expansion.DD