Kargil, February 05, 2026: Government Degree College (GDC) Drass organised a 10-day Educational and Cultural Tour to South India under the Gender Inclusive Equity Initiative of PM-USHA, with the objective of promoting experiential learning, cultural awareness, and women empowerment. The tour was comprised of 30 girl students and accompanied by two faculty members.
The tour commenced on 27th January, 2026 with the departure of the student contingent from Drass. On 28th January 2026, the group departed from Leh, where the tour was formally flagged off by the Administrative Secretary, Higher Education, Ms. Bhanu Prabha (IAS).
As part of the itinerary, the students visited Kochi on the third day, where they explored St. Francis Church, the historic Chinese Fishing Nets, Marine Drive, and Kochi Palace, gaining insights into colonial history, traditional livelihoods, urban coastal development, and Kerala’s royal heritage.
On the fourth day, the group proceeded to Munnar, visiting Tea Gardens, the Tata Tea Factory, and Eco Point, where students learned about plantation-based economies, industrial processing of tea, environmental sustainability, and hill ecology.
The fifth day featured a visit to Thekkady, including a Spice Garden, which provided practical exposure to spice cultivation and Kerala’s historic spice trade. Students also attended a cultural programme at a Cultural Centre Thekkedy where they witnessed Kathakali and traditional martial arts, enriching their understanding of India’s performing arts and cultural traditions.
On the sixth day, students experienced Alleppey’s backwaters through a boat ride, offering valuable insights into Kerala’s unique water-based ecosystem, sustainable tourism, and traditional transport systems.
The seventh day included a visit to Kanyakumari, covering the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, the southernmost tip of India, and Vivekananda Kendra. This visit held strong educational and inspirational significance, acquainting students with India’s geographical extremity and the philosophical legacy of Swami Vivekananda.
The tour concludes on 5th February 2026 with a day of sightseeing in Delhi on exposing students to the national capital’s historical landmarks and administrative importance, thereby strengthening their sense of national integration.
The entire tour was professionally conducted by Balmer & Lawrie, a Public Sector Undertaking of the Government of India.
The Principal, Government Degree College Drass, who is also the District Nodal Officer for the PM-USHA Scheme, informed that ₹7.13 crore has been approved by the Central Government under PM-USHA for colleges of District Kargil, which will be instrumental in strengthening higher education infrastructure, with a special focus on girl education and women empowerment.
The Principal expressed sincere gratitude to the Administrative Secretary, Higher Education, Ms. Bhanu Prabha (IAS) for her continuous support, guidance, and encouragement in the effective implementation of PM-USHA initiatives.
He also placed on record his deep appreciation to Prof. Saket Khushwaha, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, University of Ladakh for his visionary leadership and academic guidance, and for facilitating the students’ visit to Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari, which provided the participants with profound intellectual and inspirational exposure to the philosophical ideals of Swami Vivekananda and the spirit of national integration.
