UoL hosts Lecture on Slow Tourism, highlights sustainable travel through endurance cycling

LEH: The University of Ladakh on Thursday organised a special lecture on “Slow Tourism: Exploring India by Bicycle”, with speakers highlighting endurance cycling as a means of promoting sustainable tourism, environmental responsibility and a deeper understanding of India’s diverse landscapes and communities.

The programme brought together faculty members, students and university officials for a discussion on responsible travel, adventure tourism and environmental consciousness, with a focus on encouraging sustainable modes of exploration.

The event was attended by Registrar Priyanka Sengar, who welcomed and felicitated the guests with traditional khatags. Dean Research Studies, the Chief Proctor, Dean Students’ Welfare, departmental deans, faculty members, students and university officials were also present.

Moderated by Dawa Wangmo, Assistant Professor in the Department of International Conflict Studies, the lecture featured Colonel Sumeet Sharma, Sena Medal, a decorated officer of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry Regiment.

Drawing on his military service, including three tenures in Ladakh, Colonel Sharma shared his experience of completing a nearly 1,000-kilometre cycling expedition from Jammu to Siachen Base Camp in ten days. The route covered some of the country’s highest mountain passes, including Zojila, Namika La, Fotu La, Khardung La, besides Leh, Nubra Valley and Siachen Base Camp.

He said the expedition was undertaken to honour the courage and sacrifice of Indian Armed Forces personnel deployed in high-altitude border areas. Highlighting the theme “We Ride. They Protect.”, he described endurance cycling as a means of building resilience while fostering environmental awareness and responsible tourism.

The lecture underscored the concept of “slow tourism”, encouraging travellers to engage more closely with local cultures, landscapes and communities while promoting environmentally sustainable travel practices.

The programme forms part of the University’s continuing efforts to encourage dialogue on sustainable development, responsible tourism and experiential learning through interactions with distinguished professionals and subject experts.