DRASS (KARGIL): Under the Prime Minister’s USHA initiative, Government Degree College (GDC) Dras has launched a five-day culinary arts and nutrition workshop. The program was formally inaugurated on May 11, 2026, at the college campus in Dras. The aim of this workshop is to provide students in this high-altitude region of Ladakh with skills and practical training alongside their studies.
The primary objective of this workshop, organized under Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA), is to educate students, especially young women, about culinary science, nutrition, and healthy eating, and to empower them to become self-reliant by teaching them skills alongside their studies.
During the inaugural session, college officials highlighted that the initiative is designed to improve employability and self-reliance among students by introducing them to practical domains such as food preparation techniques, dietary planning, and nutritional awareness. Faculty members noted that such programmes are particularly important in remote regions like Drass, where access to specialised training opportunities remains limited.
This workshop will focus on food habits and a healthy lifestyle, helping students understand why good food is important for health and society. Over the next 5 days, experts and trainers will provide this information through discussions and practical learning.
According to organisers, the programme aligns with the broader objective of PM-USHA, which focuses on modernising higher education institutions, improving skill development, and promoting inclusive learning environments. Special attention is being given to ensuring participation from female students as part of gender-inclusive educational initiatives.
College officials said the workshop’s goal isn’t just to teach cooking, but also to instill confidence, teamwork, and a sense of entrepreneurship in students. The training also provided practical knowledge on topics such as food safety and hygiene and basic nutrition, which will help students pursue careers in hotel management and the food industry.
The initiative is expected to contribute to the region’s growing focus on skill-based education and livelihood-oriented training programmes, particularly for youth in rural and mountainous areas of Ladakh.
Officials said that such workshops will bridge the gap between academics and job-ready skills, better preparing students for higher education and employment. With the launch of this program, GDC Drass is emphasizing practical learning, further cementing its place as a leading center for practical education and youth empowerment in the region.
