Srinagar March 26 (KNS): The two-day National IP Yatra Workshop on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), organised 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 witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 170 entrepreneurs, start-ups, and business owners, reinforcing the growing interest in IPR awareness in the region.
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.
Inaugural Session Highlights
The workshop commenced 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 leverage the workshop for insights into MSME schemes and IPR registrations, assuring PHDCCI’s continued 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.
The workshop featured insightful discussions by industry experts:
- Dr. DP Goel, Co-Chair, MSME Committee, PHDCCI, spoke on agricultural innovations and value addition in local products.
- Dr. Saket Kushwaha, Vice Chancellor, University of Ladakh, emphasized the university’s role in fostering innovation and business growth.
- Shri 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 utilize these schemes.
-Ms Shruti Manchanda the IPR Expert from United and United provided the detailed presentations and insights about IPR. She also interacted with the entrepreneurs and explained to them about various technical issues of IPR.
The two day event concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri Bilal Kawoosa, General Convenor, and PHDCCI Kashmir, who reaffirmed PHDCCI’s Kashmir regions commitment to Ladakh’s economic development through IPR empowerment. The program was moderated by Ms. Kanchan Zutshi, Director, PHDCCI, and was organized by Shri Iqbal Fayaz Jan, Deputy Director, and PHDCCI Kashmir-Ladakh. The IP Yatra served as a crucial platform for MSMEs, innovators, and entrepreneurs to understand the significance of IP protection and explore government initiatives for business growth.(KNS)