LG Ladakh Inaugurates International Painting Symposium 2026 at IIM Jammu; Backs New Academic Centre in Leh
JAMMU, January 12, 2026 – Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, officially inaugurated the International Painting Symposium 2026 today at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu, emphasizing that the nation’s youth are the primary architects of a “Viksit Bharat @2047.”
The week-long event, running from January 12 to 17, brings together renowned artists from across the globe to foster a creative dialogue within the premier management institution. During his address, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, world-class institutions like IIM Jammu have evolved into future-ready knowledge hubs that blend analytical rigor with cultural empathy.
He noted that the integration of visual arts into management education, as promoted by the National Education Policy 2020, is essential for developing socially responsible and emotionally intelligent leaders capable of navigating complex global challenges.
Highlighting the transformative journey of Ladakh since it became a Union Territory in 2019, Kavinder Gupta revealed that the region’s annual budget has surged from approximately ₹200 crore to nearly ₹6,000 crore, significantly boosting infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
He proudly mentioned the establishment of Ladakh’s first medical college and called for deeper academic partnerships to address the unique ecological and geographical needs of the region.
In a major announcement, the Lieutenant Governor assured full administrative support for the establishment of an IIM Jammu academic centre in Leh, envisioning it as a cornerstone for sustainable development and regional empowerment.
The ceremony, attended by IIM Jammu Director B.S. Sahay and Board Chairman Milind P. Kamble, concluded with a campus tour and a symbolic sapling plantation, reinforcing the institute’s commitment to sustainability and holistic growth.