New Delhi, February 27, 2026: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Thursday hosted a delegation of students from Ladakh at his residence for a special luncheon interaction, encouraging them to recognise their inner potential and make full use of national opportunities made accessible through technology and governance reforms.
Youth Empowerment Through Exposure
Engaging in an open and informal conversation, Dr Singh appreciated what he described as the “aspirational urge” of the young delegates. He stressed that exposure and cultural exchange play a transformative role in shaping confident and capable citizens.
Recalling earlier exchange initiatives involving youth from the North-East, he shared how such programmes helped students overcome hesitation and build self-belief. Celebrations of festivals like Lohri, Bihu, Makar Sankranti and Pongal together, he said, reinforced the idea that India’s diversity strengthens its unity.
“Traditions may vary, but the spirit of celebration remains the same across the country,” he remarked, highlighting the importance of emotional integration.
Technology Removes Geographical Barriers
Dr Jitendra Singh told the students that technology has effectively dismantled the notion of “small places.” With digital connectivity and expanding infrastructure, geographical limitations no longer restrict ambition.
He pointed out that students today can prepare for Civil Services and pursue competitive careers from remote regions, including Ladakh. The Minister urged them to first understand their own strengths and capacities before choosing a career path.
“Clarity about your inner potential is the foundation of success,” he said, encouraging the youth to seize opportunities available at the national level.
Government Support and New Pathways
Referring to the past decade of governance under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dr Singh said numerous schemes and initiatives have opened new avenues for young people across sectors. He assured the delegation that the government remains committed to supporting determined and hardworking youth.
He also spoke about Ladakh’s recent transformation, including the establishment of new colleges and expansion of higher education facilities. According to him, opportunities in engineering, medicine and civil services have significantly expanded for students from the region.
The Minister mentioned the Prime Minister’s visits to Ladakh, including one during harsh winter conditions, describing them as a reflection of commitment toward the region’s development.
SERU Programme Revived
The visiting delegation was part of the Student Experience in Regional Understanding (SERU) programme, which aims to promote cultural exchange, academic exposure and national integration.
A student delegate recalled that similar programmes were conducted in the early 1990s, when students from states such as Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi visited Ladakh. Though the initiative faced interruptions, it has now been revived in a more structured format.
Last year, 20 students from different districts of Ladakh participated in the programme, travelling across India and interacting with academic leaders and institutions. This year, participation has expanded to 30 students representing newly formed districts and border areas such as Kargil, Nubra and Changthang.
Confidence-Building and Wider Aspirations
Students described their experiences as enriching and confidence-building. Exposure to diverse academic environments and interactions with Vice Chancellors and faculty members broadened their perspectives.
They noted that the programme strengthened their sense of belonging to a larger national community and expanded their career aspirations. The interaction with the Union Minister, they said, further motivated them to aim higher.
Dr Singh concluded by urging the youth to remain ambitious while staying rooted in their cultural identity. He emphasized that the combination of self-belief, technological access and government support can help them achieve national and global success.
