EJM College Hosts ICSSR-Sponsored Capacity Building Prog
Leh, Oct 15: Eliezer Joldan Memorial College has launched a two-week capacity building program on the application of statistical and geospatial tools in social sciences, sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research. The initiative aims to enhance research capabilities among young social science faculty in the region.
The inaugural session was graced by Bhanu Prabha, IAS, Secretary of Higher Education, UT of Ladakh, who was joined by Prof. Tsewang Motup, DCDC, University of Ladakh; Prof. Tashi Dawa, EJM College; and Prof. Sameena Iqbal, Principal, Government Degree College, Khaltsi.
Prof. Stanzin Yangdol, Principal of EJM College, welcomed the attendees and underscored the importance of collaborative learning. Assistant Professor Mohd Taqi, Course Director, outlined the program’s objective to equip faculty with tools for rigorous, evidence-based research that addresses the specific challenges and opportunities of the region.
Dr. Virendra Nagarale of SNDT Women’s University, Pune, delivered the keynote address, focusing on capacity building for sustainable development and emphasizing the principles of people, planet, prosperity, peace, and partnership.
Bhanu Prabha praised the college and ICSSR for their efforts in strengthening the academic landscape of Ladakh, highlighting the program’s role in empowering faculty and fostering research excellence.
Bhanu Prabha lauded the college and the ICSSR for their efforts in strengthening the academic landscape of Ladakh, emphasizing the program’s pivotal role in empowering faculty and fostering research excellence.
She highlighted that while EJM College boasts a fare legacy, the University of Ladakh is still relatively young, having been functional for only 8–9 years. This, she noted, makes it the ideal time to intensify research initiatives. With its vast landscapes and unique geography, Ladakh continues to captivate researchers from across the nation, offering a largely unexplored territory ripe for scholarly inquiry.
“Many may have read or heard about Ladakh from various sources,” she observed, “but in reality, this region is a proverbial ‘gold mine’ for researchers. Scholars have a unique opportunity to explore its richness, document findings meticulously, and publish their work. When conducted with dedication and sincerity, research here can reveal entirely new narratives about Ladakh to the world.”
Bhanu Prabha also commended the ICSSR for selecting Ladakh for this program and expressed hope that such initiatives would inspire the establishment of more educational and research institutions dedicated to exploring this extraordinary region.
The two-week initiative will feature expert lectures and practical training in data-driven and geospatial research methods, aiming to provide participants with hands-on experience and advanced analytical skills.
