27 August 2019
The first cohort of Naropa fellows, aiming to be new-age entrepreneurs, is set to participate in the development of the Himalayan region with their innovative ventures
A total of 52 students received their postgraduate certificate in Entrepreneurship and Leadership, as the first-ever cohort of the Naropa fellowship programme held its convocation ceremony at Hemis Monastery, Ladakh. This new cadre of entrepreneurs is set to solve several environmental, infrastructural and developmental problems that have been ailing the Himalayan region for long.
“There is now a greater need than ever, for entrepreneurial ventures that provide new opportunities, generate employment for the local youth. Naropa Fellows have already made a start by undertaking ventures with the potential to make a positive impact on the Himalayan region,” said Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, MP of Ladakh, who was the guest of honour at the ceremony held recently.
During the session, the fellows were taught courses centred around entrepreneurship, society and culture, communication skills and personal development. As part of the curriculum, the fellows underwent a practical learning module called live-action project under which the fellows transformed their ideas into live projects.
Two of these projects — Ladakh Basket and Agrow — have also been selected for Start-up Exploration Programme organised by Catalyst, IIT Mandi and will receive financial support of up to Rs 1.5 lakh in addition to mentoring, networking and training.
“With Ladakh being declared as a Union Territory, our vision is now aligned in removing major barriers in the prevailing education system in the region and create opportunities for youth to study and become successful entrepreneurs,” said His Eminence Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche, who founded the fellowship along with Pramath Raj Sinha, the founding dean of the Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad.
The fellowship was instituted last year to address the rising challenges of unemployment, lack of vocational training, and gradual cultural erosion in Ladakhi and the Himalayan societies.
Gyal P Wangyal, chief executive councillor, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, and Rudrangshu Mukherjee, chancellor, Ashoka University, were also present among the guests.