Technology Has Ended the Concept of Small Places; Recognise Your Inner Potential and Seize National Opportunities: Dr Jitendra Singh
Union Minister interacts with students from Ladakh during a luncheon meeting at his residence in New Delhi on Friday.
NEW DELHI: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Jitendra Singh hosted a delegation of students from Ladakh at his residence for a special luncheon interaction, appreciating their aspirational spirit and engaging them in a discussion on youth empowerment, national integration and emerging opportunities.
Jitendra Singh highlighted the transformative role of exposure and cultural exchange in shaping young minds. Referring to earlier student exchange initiatives, particularly involving youth from the North-East, he said such programmes helped remove hesitation and build confidence among students from remote regions. He cited instances where festivals such as Lohri, Bihu, Makar Sankranti and Pongal were celebrated together, reinforcing emotional unity despite cultural diversity.
Stating that technology has removed geographical barriers, Jitendra Singh said the notion of small places no longer holds relevance. With digital access and improved infrastructure, students can now prepare for Civil Services and pursue competitive careers from any part of the country. He urged students to assess their inner strengths and capacities before choosing a career path, asserting that clarity of self is essential for success.
Referring to governance under Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the last decade, Jitendra Singh said several schemes and initiatives have created new pathways for youth across sectors. He assured the students that government support remains available to those committed to hard work and progress.
On Ladakh’s development trajectory, Jitendra Singh pointed to the establishment of new colleges, expansion of higher education institutions and growing opportunities in engineering, medicine and civil services. He also referred to the Prime Minister’s visits to Ladakh, including one during extreme winter, describing it as a reflection of commitment to the region.
The visiting students were delegates of the Student Experience in Regional Understanding programme, aimed at promoting cultural understanding, national integration and academic exposure through inter-regional engagement.
During the interaction, a student delegate recalled that in the early 1990s, students from Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi had visited Ladakh under similar initiatives. The programme, which had faced interruptions, has now been revived in a structured format.
Last year, 20 students from various districts of Ladakh participated in the initiative, travelling to different states, interacting with diverse personalities and visiting leading educational institutions where they met vice chancellors and faculty members. This year, participation has increased to 30 students from newly formed districts and border regions including Kargil, Nubra and Changthang, ensuring wider representation.
Students described the programme as enriching and confidence-building, stating that exposure to varied academic and cultural environments has expanded their aspirations and strengthened their sense of belonging to a larger national community.
