LEH: Secretary, Information Technology, UT Ladakh, Shashanka Ala, Tuesday visited the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), Leh, where she reviewed the institute’s academic infrastructure, laboratories, and research and development initiatives, with a special focus on innovation and capacity building among students.
During the visit, the Secretary inspected various laboratories, including AI labs and smart classrooms, and interacted with students and faculty members.
She was briefed in detail by NIELIT officials on the institute’s academic programmes, internship initiatives, and live project-based learning model.
The officials informed that NIELIT annually engages students from both Leh and Kargil districts as interns for a duration of six months, during which they work on live projects and are awarded certificates of appreciation upon successful completion.
The Secretary was showcased a wide range of innovative products and prototypes developed by students as part of their training and R&D activities.
These included efforts to digitize traditional Ladakhi practices and products, such as smart thermos systems, electric and solar-based solutions, AI-enabled robots capable of responding in the Ladakhi language, 3D paintings, solar charging lights, solar vehicles, drones, greenhouse meters, laser machines, and several other technology-driven solutions. She also visited the institute’s R&D and capacity-building sections, appreciating the depth and diversity of student-led innovation.
Shashanka Ala lauded the creativity and technical skills demonstrated by the students and emphasized the importance of greater participation of students from outside Leh, particularly from remote areas, in innovation-driven programmes.
She stressed that such student innovations should be encouraged not only for academic excellence but also for market linkage, product showcasing, and collaboration with government departments and other institutional structures, which would enhance the credibility, scalability, and real-world impact of these initiatives.
