Leh, October 28: The two-week Capacity Building Programme on “Application of Statistical and Geospatial Tools in Social Sciences,” sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), concluded with great enthusiasm and academic fulfilment at Eliezer Joldan Memorial (EJM) College, Leh. The initiative, designed to enhance research competencies of young social science faculty across India, featured expert-led sessions, hands-on training modules, and field-based research exposure in the unique ecosystem of Ladakh.
The programme was inaugurated earlier this month in the presence of distinguished dignitaries including Smt. Bhanu Prabha, IAS, Secretary, Higher Education, UT of Ladakh, who applauded the academic commitment of ICSSR and EJM College toward empowering regional scholars. Throughout the two weeks, participants engaged in sessions focusing on modern data-driven methods and geospatial analysis, equipping them with advanced tools essential for evidence-based research.
The valedictory session celebrated the successful culmination of the programme with an experience-sharing event, where participants narrated their academic takeaways and cultural interactions during visits to prominent heritage locations in Ladakh. Many highlighted their visit to Alchi, often regarded as the “Museum of Ladakh,” which enriched their understanding of the region’s historical and socio-cultural landscape.
Prof. Stanzin Yangdol, Principal of EJM College, expressed immense pride in the dedication shown by the organizing team led by Coordinator Assistant Professor Dr. Mohd. Taqi and Co-Coordinator Dr. Saleem. She emphasized that initiatives such as these cultivate a spirit of collaborative learning and broaden scholarly imagination, helping young researchers think beyond conventional approaches.
Dr. Mohd. Taqi, reflecting on the programme’s outcomes, reiterated the importance of cross-regional academic exchange and shared research methodologies that benefit social science scholars nationwide. He affirmed that Ladakh’s environment itself is a living classroom, teaching profound lessons on resilience, culture, and societal structure.
Chief Guest of the valedictory ceremony, Prof. Saket Kushwaha, Vice Chancellor, University of Ladakh, congratulated the participants and encouraged further integration of global research tools and software to strengthen Ladakh’s academic sector. He assured continued institutional support for future knowledge-sharing endeavours.
Smt. Bhanu Prabha, Guest of Honour, presented certificates to the participants while expressing her gratitude to the organizers. She emphasized that more collaborative initiatives of this nature should be promoted across states to facilitate national knowledge circulation and contribute to the vision of a Viksit Bharat.
The event was graced by the presence of notable personalities including Mr. Nawang Tundup, Registrar, University of Ladakh; Prof. Tsewang Motup, DCDC, University of Ladakh; Prof. Amjad Ali Abbasi, Principal, GDC Zanskar; and Prof. Tashi Dawa, Director of College Affairs, University of Ladakh, among other esteemed faculty members.
