LEH, OCT 11: The 10-day Rock Climbing and Adventure Course, jointly organized by the University of Ladakh in collaboration with the Ladakh Mountaineering & Adventure Club (LMAC), successfully concluded on Saturday, at the Shey Smanla Rock Face. The course, held from October 2 to October 11, aimed to equip university and college students with practical rock climbing skills while fostering physical and mental resilience.
The valedictory ceremony was presided over by the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of the University of Ladakh, Prof. S. K. Mehta, who served as the Chief Guest. The event also featured Mr. Nawang Tundup, I/C Registrar of the University of Ladakh, as the Guest of Honor. Several distinguished officials, including Shree Tsering Tashi, District Youth Services & Sports Officer, Leh, and Dr. Jigmat Dachen, I/C Administration at Leh Campus and Dean of Students’ Welfare at the University of Ladakh, graced the occasion.
Other notable attendees included Everester Ms. Rigzin Dolkar, the working Chairman of LMAC; Mr. Urgain Loondup, General Secretary of LMAC; Mr. Tsering Norphail, Joint Secretary of LMAC; and Mr. Sonam Gyatso, Assistant Professor at the University of Ladakh. The course instructors, Ms. Tsering Angmo (Everester), Mr. Padma Gytso, and Mr. Lobzang Kunkhyab, also played an active role in the ceremony, along with Mr. Muneer Hassan Akhnoon, Proprietor of Akhon Tiles, Shey.
During the valedictory event, the students demonstrated a variety of rock climbing techniques they had mastered during the camp, including solo climbing, jumaring, and rappelling. Their live demonstration received enthusiastic applause from the assembled guests, reflecting the success of the program.
In his welcome address, Dr. Jigmat Dachen highlighted the significance of the course in promoting adventure sports at the university and acknowledged the collaborative efforts of both the University of Ladakh and LMAC.
Chief Guest Prof. S. K. Mehta distributed certificates to the 17 participants, congratulating them on the successful completion of the course. He praised their dedication and assured continued support from the university in promoting such programs to encourage adventure sports and student development. He emphasized the importance of leadership, endurance, and teamwork that such courses instill in students.
Special awards were presented to the standout campers of the course: Best Camper (Female): Ms. Jigmet Lhamo (MSc Zoology, University of Ladakh). Best Camper (Male): Mr. Dawa Namgyal (BPES, University of Ladakh)
In his vote of thanks, Mr. Urgain Loondup expressed his gratitude to the University of Ladakh for its support and lauded the efforts of the team in making the camp a success. He also shared LMAC’s future plans, which include introducing a Basic Mountaineering Course next year.
A total of 17 students, including participants from the University of Ladakh, Leh Campus, and Government Degree Colleges (GDC) in Khaltse and Nubra, attended the residential camp. Under the expert guidance of instructors, the students received hands-on training in various rock climbing skills, enhancing their abilities in the sport while promoting a culture of adventure among the youth of Ladakh.
