Chief Secretary, Ashish Kundra interacts with Ladakhi students and youth in Chandigarh
30/09/2026
Chandigarh, September 30 (KIP)-Chief Secretary, UT Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, interacted with a large gathering of Ladakhi students and youth pursuing studies in various educational institutions in Chandigarh and adjoining areas at an interaction programme held yesterday at Chandigarh College of Engineering and Technology (CCET), Chandigarh.
The interaction was organised as part of ‘Youth Dialogue’, an initiative of the Chief Secretary aimed at establishing a direct and sustained dialogue with the youth of Ladakh. Under the initiative, senior officers of the UT Administration will hold a series of interactions with students and youth in all districts of Ladakh, besides engaging with Ladakhi students pursuing higher education in different parts of the country.
The first session of the initiative was held at Eliezer Joldan Memorial College, Leh, on September 21, 2026, where the Chief Secretary made a presentation followed by an open-house discussion and question-and-answer session. Similarly, the Chandigarh interaction provided the students an open platform to raise issues, share their concerns and put forward suggestions on matters relating to education, employment, career opportunities, skill development, entrepreneurship and other youth-oriented initiatives.
During the interaction, the students raised issues relating to career counselling, coaching and test-series support for competitive examinations, examination centres in Chandigarh, greater awareness of Government schemes and opportunities, promotion of start-ups and entrepreneurship, and the status of Ladakh House in Chandigarh.
The discussion also focused on the growing concern of drug and substance abuse among youth. Referring to Chandigarh’s proximity to Punjab, the Chief Secretary urged the students to remain vigilant and fully aware of the serious consequences of addiction. He emphasised that drug abuse can adversely affect health, education, careers, families and the future of young people, and called upon the students to stay away from drugs and all addictive substances. He further stated that those involved in drug-related activities would face strict action under the law.
Encouraging the youth to think beyond conventional employment, the Chief Secretary urged them to focus on education, skills, innovation and entrepreneurship and aspire to become job creators. He encouraged the students to identify emerging opportunities, develop innovative ideas and contribute to creating livelihoods and strengthening the economy of Ladakh.
The Chief Secretary gave a patient hearing to the concerns and suggestions shared by the students and assured them that the issues raised would be examined at the appropriate level. He appreciated the students for their active participation and constructive suggestions and encouraged them to remain connected with Ladakh and contribute their knowledge and skills to its development.
Concluding the interaction, Shri Ashish Kundra extended his best wishes to the students for their studies and future endeavours and urged them to work hard, remain focused on their goals and make the most of the opportunities available to them.
The students appreciated the ‘Youth Dialogue’ initiative and expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to directly share their aspirations, concerns and suggestions with the Chief Secretary.