LEH, MARCH 26: The two-day National IP Yatra Workshop on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), organized by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) with the support of the Development Commissioner, Ministry of MSME, Government of India, concluded today at Hotel The Pal, Leh. The event saw enthusiastic participation from over 170 entrepreneurs, startups, and business owners, highlighting the region’s growing interest in IPR awareness.
The valedictory session was graced by Sanjeev Khirwar, IAS, Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Leh-Ladakh, who commended PHDCCI for organizing the workshop and noted the strong turnout even on the second day. He emphasized the importance of protecting intellectual property to foster innovation and economic growth in Ladakh. The workshop began with an inaugural session featuring Dr. Pawan Kotwal, Chief Secretary/Advisor to the Lt. Governor, UT Ladakh, as the Chief Guest and Ghulam Mehdi, Executive Councillor, LAHDC Leh, as the Guest of Honour.
Dr. Ranjeet Mehta, CEO & Secretary General, PHDCCI, in his welcome address, encouraged participants to utilize the workshop to gain insights into MSME schemes and IPR registrations, assuring continued PHDCCI support for Ladakh’s entrepreneurs. Dr. Pawan Kotwal stressed the need to safeguard Ladakh’s traditional arts and products through Geographical Indications (GI) and patents, urging entrepreneurs to capitalize on indigenous knowledge. Ghulam Mehdi highlighted Ladakh’s rich biodiversity and called for the effective implementation of government schemes to boost local entrepreneurship.
The workshop featured insightful discussions by industry experts, including: Dr. D.P. Goel, Co-Chair, MSME Committee, PHDCCI – Spoke on agricultural innovations and value addition in local products; Dr. Saket Kushwaha, Vice Chancellor, University of Ladakh – Highlighted the university’s role in fostering innovation and business growth; Jigmet Takpa, Vice President, IMI & Former Joint Secretary, MoEFCC – Discussed trademark registration and MSME opportunities; Dr. H.P. Kumar, Former NSIC Chairman & Advisor, PHDCCI – Elaborated on PMEGP, PM Rozgar Yojana, and Mudra Yojana, urging entrepreneurs to take advantage of these schemes; Shruti Manchanda, IPR Expert from United and United – Delivered detailed presentations on IPR and interacted with entrepreneurs, addressing various technical issues related to intellectual property rights.
The two-day event concluded with a vote of thanks by Bilal Kawoosa, General Convenor, PHDCCI Kashmir, who reaffirmed PHDCCI Kashmir’s commitment to Ladakh’s economic development through IPR empowerment. The program was moderated by Kanchan Zutshi, Director, PHDCCI, and organized by Iqbal Fayaz Jan, Deputy Director, PHDCCI Kashmir-Ladakh.