Leh, Jan 18: Dr. Jigmat Dachen, Dean of Colleges at the University of Ladakh, has been honoured with the Excellence in Academic Leadership in Higher Education Award at the 10th Higher Education Innovation & Technology Summit & Awards, held in Chandigarh on Friday.
The award recognises Dr. Dachen’s sustained contribution to academic leadership, institutional development and student welfare at the University of Ladakh, which caters to students from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The summit was organised by ICFAI University in collaboration with Plus Nine One Media, and witnessed participation from senior academics, education innovators and policy stakeholders from across the country.
Dr. Dachen’s work has drawn attention for addressing the academic and administrative challenges unique to Ladakh’s high-altitude and geographically dispersed setting. Working under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof. Saket Kushwaha, he has played a central role in strengthening academic structures and promoting student-focused initiatives at the university.
In his capacity as Dean of Students’ Welfare, Dr. Dachen has introduced a range of academic, co-curricular and welfare programmes aimed at improving campus life and supporting holistic student development. These efforts have helped create better learning opportunities for students from remote areas of the Union Territory and neighbouring regions.
A university spokesperson said the recognition reflects the University of Ladakh’s growing engagement with national discussions on inclusive and accessible higher education. The spokesperson added that Dr. Dachen’s approach has helped position the university as an emerging centre of learning in the Himalayan region.
The award comes at a time when higher education in Ladakh is witnessing gradual expansion, with institutions focusing on bridging gaps in access and quality. For many young scholars and educators in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, the recognition of Dr. Dachen’s work serves as encouragement to contribute to the region’s academic growth.
