Kavinder Gupta Pushes Sustainable, Knowledge-Led Growth for Ladakh UT

Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, on January 12, 2026, emphasized the need for knowledge-driven, sustainable, and locally relevant development in the Union Territory, while pledging full administrative support for the establishment of an Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu academic center in Leh. The announcement came during his address at the inauguration of a six-day international painting symposium at the IIM Jammu campus, highlighting the role of academia in fostering balanced growth suited to Ladakh’s unique high-altitude geography and fragile ecosystem.

Gupta inaugurated the symposium, which runs from January 12 to 17, 2026, and brings together 21 renowned painters from India and abroad, along with 25 emerging artists and 90 art students. Described as one of the largest collaborative artistic platforms hosted by an academic institution in the region, the event underscores IIM Jammu’s efforts to integrate visual arts and creativity into higher education. The Lieutenant Governor praised the institute for its rapid progress, world-class infrastructure, vibrant academic environment, and commitment to sustainability through its green campus philosophy.

He stressed that genuine education should nurture not just intellectual growth but also the mind and soul, positioning such platforms as spaces for reflection, creativity, and human connection. Gupta noted the international participation of artists as a testament to art’s universal language, which transcends borders and enhances India’s cultural diplomacy and soft power. He appreciated IIM Jammu for hosting its fourth painting workshop, a continuity that reflects a long-term dedication to cultural education—an approach he said is rare among Indian institutions.

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The Lieutenant Governor invited greater academic engagement in Ladakh to develop solutions tailored to its environmental challenges. “Our administration will extend full cooperation for establishing an IIM Jammu academic center in Leh,” he declared, underlining that close collaboration between educational institutions and the administration is essential for sustainable and inclusive progress. He attributed the rise of world-class institutions like IIM Jammu to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has prioritized nation-building through knowledge, innovation, and human capital development.

Gupta also reflected on Ladakh’s transformation since it became a Union Territory in 2019. He highlighted the dramatic increase in the annual budget—from around ₹200 crore to nearly ₹6,000 crore—which has facilitated major advancements in connectivity, education, healthcare, renewable energy, and livelihood opportunities. He further announced that Ladakh has received its first medical college, which is expected to become fully operational soon, bolstering healthcare services and opening new avenues for local youth. The Lieutenant Governor’s address reinforced a vision of development rooted in education, culture, and environmental sensitivity for the future of Ladakh.

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