Kargil: The School of Agricultural Science and Technology (SAS&T), University of Ladakh, Kargil Campus, rolled out the red carpet for its first-ever Basic Agriculture Training graduates on Wednesday.
The School organized a Certificate Distribution Ceremony for the first batch of the Basic Agriculture Training Programme.
The event was graced by Mohammad Jaffer Akhoon, Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, who attended as the Chief Guest.
Vice Chancellor of the University of Ladakh, Professor Saket Kushwaha, was the Guest of Honour, while Dean, SAS&T Kargil, Professor Faizan Ahmad, Chief Agricultural Officer Kargil, Ashiq Hussain Basharat, and Incharge Administration, University of Ladakh, Kargil Campus, Dr. Mehboob Ali, were present as distinguished guests. Faculty members and staff of SAS&T, along with the Basic Agriculture Trainees, also attended the programme.
In his address, the CEC congratulated the trainees on successfully completing the course and applauded the initiative of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Saket Kushwaha, and the Dean of Agriculture, SAS&T Kargil, for launching such training programs locally, an opportunity that earlier required students to travel to Srinagar.
Dr Akhoon further commended the Vice Chancellor’s visionary leadership and commitment to expanding academic opportunities at the Kargil Campus, encouraging faculty members to continue teaching with dedication and passion.
In his remarks, Vice Chancellor Professor Saket Kushwaha expressed gratitude to the CEC for his presence and extended congratulations to the trainees.
He encouraged them to apply their practical knowledge in the field with integrity and perseverance, emphasizing that the future of Ladakh’s agriculture lies in the hands of its young, skilled learners.
He appreciated Dr. Faizan for introducing the course and for its successful completion. He also encouraged the faculty to teach sincerely and with dedication.
Chief Agriculture Officer, Ashiq Hussain, congratulated the trainees and SAS&T Kargil for completing the course.
He also shared that the increment of some gardeners was delayed because, as the certificate course was mandatory, they had not received their increment for the last four years.
Dr. Faizan Ahmad, Dean Agricultural Sciences formally welcomes the chief guest, guest of honour and other dignitaries. He informed the gathering about the Basic Agriculture Training course and the need for the course, and he explained the course in detail.
The certificates were distributed among the in-service trainees (12 in number) by the Chief Guest and other dignitaries, followed by the vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Sherab Dolma.
Earlier, the CEC inaugurated the upgradation of Government High School Saliskote to Government Higher Secondary School.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Member of Parliament (Ladakh) Hanifa Jaan, Executive Councillors Aga Syed Mujtaba and Zakir Hussain, Secretary Higher Education Bhanu Prabha, Councillor Sajjad Khan, Councillor Aga Syed Ali, Director Education UT Ladakh, and other officers and officials of the district.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Jaffer congratulated the students, parents, teachers, and residents of Saliskote village on the upgradation of the school. He described the development as a milestone achievement resulting from the collaborative efforts of the LAHDC Kargil and the UT Administration.
CEC Dr. Jaffer appreciated the persistent efforts and dedication of Councillor Sajjad Khan, acknowledging his pivotal role in fulfilling this long-pending demand of the local populace. He also recalled the contributions of former Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Dr. B.D. Mishra and then Commissioner Secretary Mr. Khirwar in facilitating the upgradation process.
He assured the people that the LAHDC Kargil remains committed not only to strengthening the education sector but also to advancing development in agriculture, horticulture, tourism, and other key areas for the welfare of Kargil’s residents.
Addressing the gathering, MP Ladakh Hanifa Jaan expressed his delight over this significant step in improving educational infrastructure in Saliskote. He praised Councillor Sajjad Khan for his tireless efforts, describing him as a true people’s representative dedicated to the betterment of society.
On the occasion, Executive Councillor Zakir Hussain and Administrative Secretary Bhanu Prabha also spoke at length about the importance of the school’s upgradation. They assured full support from the LAHDC Kargil and the UT Administration to make the Higher Secondary School fully functional from the next academic session.
