University of Ladakh, IIT Roorkee conclude National Drone and IoT workshop in Kargil

KARGIL: A two-day national workshop on “Drone and IoT Technologies”, jointly organised by the University of Ladakh, Kargil Campus, and iHUB DivyaSampark, IIT Roorkee, concluded on Friday with a renewed focus on strengthening technological capacity among students, researchers, faculty members and professionals in Ladakh.

Designed as a capacity-building initiative, the workshop combined theoretical sessions with practical learning to familiarise participants with emerging technologies and their potential applications in remote and mountainous regions. The programme explored the use of drones and Internet of Things (IoT) systems in sectors such as agriculture, environmental monitoring and data-driven field operations.

The second day commenced with the National Anthem, followed by the felicitation of Dr. Rouf Khan, Assistant Professor-cum-Junior Scientist at SKUAST Kashmir, who conducted four technical sessions on the Internet of Things. His lectures covered the fundamentals of IoT, sensor technologies and communication networks, smart farming, environmental monitoring and the integration of drones with ground-based sensor systems. The sessions were followed by interactive discussions that examined how these technologies could be adapted to Ladakh’s geographical and climatic conditions.

The valedictory session was attended by Mohd. Sajjad, Councillor, Saliskote, who congratulated the organisers for bringing advanced technological training to the region. Addressing the gathering, he said innovation-driven technologies have the potential to provide practical solutions to local challenges and encouraged greater participation in such academic initiatives.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Sheikh Ghulam Mohd., Dr. Rouf Khan, Mumtaz Ahmad, Assistant Professor of Physics at Government Degree College Kargil, and Dr. Mehboob Ali, In-charge Administration, University of Ladakh, underscored the value of institutional collaboration in expanding access to advanced technical education. They also acknowledged the encouragement extended by the University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) Saket Kushwaha, in facilitating programmes aimed at enhancing research and innovation.

Participants described the workshop as an enriching learning experience, highlighting its practical orientation and hands-on training modules. Certificates were presented to all successful participants during the closing ceremony in recognition of their participation.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Jaffer Ali Khan, who reiterated the University’s commitment to organising collaborative academic programmes that promote technological innovation, research-oriented learning and self-reliance across Ladakh.