It was a historic day for the two districts of Leh and Kargil when the Government formally announced setting up of Kashmir University Campus in Leh which would cater to the needs of the students of the region. The function was impressive and the presence of the Governor, the Chief Minister, Finance Minister in-charge of Ladakh Affairs, the minister representing Leh besides other dignitaries lent it much grace.
Ladakh is a remote plateau with special geography, topography, climate and culture. The region of Ladakh was conquered and annexed to the State by Dogra rulers; General Zorawar Singh was their illustrious commander who led those great and heroic expeditions. It had cost heavily to the Dogra Kingdom in terms of men and material. There has been long simmering discontent among the people of Ladakh against discriminatory policy of Srinagar administration. They have been demanding conversion of Ladakh into Union Territory to be administered directly by the Union and not the State. The fact is that Ladakhis want to wriggle out of “annexure syndrome,” which means that in psychological terms annexation of Ladakh in mid-19th century is as repugnant an event as the sale of Kashmir in 1846. However, all that they have been able to extract so far is the formation of an eye-wash called Ladakh Hill Developmental Council, and not the Union Territory status.
Partly owing to geographical isolation coupled with accessibility constraints and partly owing to predominance of Kashmir region over other regions of the State in terms of politics and administration, Ladakh did not receive equitable share of development over the decades. Srinagar government’s attention turned to Ladakh only when it began emerging on the tourist map of India, and foreigners were given permission to travel to the region. With the setting up of regular air link with Srinagar, Chandigarh, Jammu and Delhi, Ladakh saw the beginning of a new era of her history that gave the people an opportunity of getting exposed to the world outside. Awareness among the people grew and their aspirations surged forth. The State Government also moved in and drew comprehensive plans for the development of Ladakh. Breaking Ladakh region into two entities meaning Leh and Kargil districts was justified by arguing that it was a large area and for the purpose of good governance, dividing it into two entities was advisable. Much can be said on either side.
Today Ladakh region has witnessed considerable development in all walks of life. Education up to higher secondary level is provided. Healthcare, road construction, civic amenities and development of infrastructure are in place. The process of development is on the rails and surely much more needs to be done to bring prosperity to the people in the remote region. Opening of a Campus of Kashmir University in Ladakh is a historical event for the region. It means bringing higher level of knowledge to the doorsteps of the people in the region. The concept of opening university campuses started with Jammu University taking such steps in the region and establishing the campuses in Bhaderwah, Kathua and Poonch. Kashmir University imitated the practice and established campuses in Anantnag and Baramulla. This proved highly rewarding in the sense that knowledge in its various facets was brought to the doorsteps of such student communities as would not have been able to reach the level easily.
State Government deserves kudos for opening avenues of acquiring knowledge for the student community in far off Leh and Kargil. It has been found that the students of these regions are intelligent and hardworking and given the opportunity they can prove their ability to compete and emerge successful in any competitive examination. It is highly satisfying that the Finance and Ladakh Affairs Minister, Abdur Rahim Rather had been steadily working at the project for nearly three years and has finally identified land and earmarked funds for formally launching the project. We hope that the work on raising the infrastructure will be taken in hand expeditiously and time will not be wasted in making the campus functional. We believe that Kashmir University authorities will focus on such branches of higher education for Ladakh Campus as carry potential for providing employment to the students once they have completed their education. It is important that planners focus on researches in such fields as are peculiar to the region and at the same time add to universal knowledge. Ladakh is reported to have good potential for generating solar energy. Researches in production and use of solar energy on wider scale would be an interesting subject. Likewise experts in agricultural sciences can conduct researches pertaining to their field. Ladakh is a barren region and it is important that research is made in developing such hybrid plants as would survive harsh climatic conditions of the region. In short, Ladakh is now on an equal pedestal with other prestigious institutions of higher education in the state. Thousands of Ladakhi students hitherto forced by non-availability of these facilities to seek admission in numerous colleges in different parts of the state and the country, will be not have to travel that long and spend so heavily on their higher education.
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