In a landmark moment for higher education in Ladakh, Sindhu Central University held its first convocation ceremony at the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS), Choglamsar, Leh. Dr. Pawan Kotwal, Chief Secretary of Ladakh, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
Degrees were conferred on 14 graduates across various disciplines, marking a historic milestone for the newly established university.
Welcoming the gathering, Professor Sachin S. Gunthe, Member of the University’s Academic Council, addressed the graduating students, faculty, and dignitaries. He emphasized the growing academic stature of Sindhu Central University (SCU), which is collaborating with premier institutions such as IIT Madras and IIT Kanpur to strengthen higher education in the region.
Prof. V. Kamakoti, Chair of the Executive Council of SCU, presented the university’s annual report, outlining its progress since inception, the introduction of new academic schools, project implementation, infrastructure development, and institutional partnerships. He acknowledged the vital support of the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department in ensuring timely and sustainable development of the university campus.
In his convocation address, Dr. Kotwal underlined the cultural and historical relevance of the name “Sindhu,” referencing the ancient river that holds deep civilizational significance. He commended the university’s leadership for choosing a name rooted in Ladakh’s cultural heritage.
Highlighting Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem and climate challenges—such as the absence of the monsoon and reliance on snow-fed water—Dr. Kotwal applauded the introduction of three new academic programs focused on sustainability and aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision of carbon-neutral development in the region.
He also referenced the growing academic ecosystem in Ladakh, including institutions like DIHAR, the University of Ladakh, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences, and several research bodies. Dr. Kotwal noted that the upcoming SCU campus would become an academic hub, serving a wider student population across the Union Territory.
Expressing optimism about the university’s future, Dr. Kotwal stated, “Sindhu Central University has the potential to become one of the nation’s finest institutions—promoting excellence in research, education, and sustainable living while preserving Ladakh’s unique ecology.”
Following the address, degrees were formally presented to the graduating batch by Prof. Kamakoti amid applause and celebration.
The ceremony was attended by several distinguished personalities, including: Anil Sahasrabudhe, Executive Councillor, SCU Academic Council, Himanshi Rai, IIM Indore, Ramanand Pandey, Vice Chancellor, Ranchi University, Ms. Bhanu Prabha, Administrative Secretary, Education, Nageshwar Rao, former Vice Chancellor, IGNOU, Saket Khushwa, Vice Chancellor, University of Ladakh, Prof. Jain, Vice Chancellor, Central University of Jammu, Dr. S.D. Singh Jamwal, Director General of Police, Ladakh, Tsering Angchuk, Deputy Chairman, LAHDC, Leh, Vice Chancellor, CIBS, Romil Singh Donk, Deputy Commissioner, Leh and Ms. Shruti Arora, SSP, Leh.
The convocation concluded with a message of hope, sustainability, and academic excellence for the future of Ladakh.