Doon University’s Dr. Ambedkar Chair Launches Capacity Building Drive in Remote Purola, Uttarkashi
Purola / Dehradun, 26 Aug
Doon University’s Dr. Ambedkar Chair has taken its outreach to the remote Himalayan border of Purola in Uttarkashi, bringing career guidance and skill training directly to marginalised students.
Two programmes were organized — at Barfiya Lal Juwantha Government PG College, Purola and Atal Utkrisht Government Inter College, Purola — tailored for Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and OBC students. Nearly 95% of participants were from SC/ST/OBC communities.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Surekha Dangwal hailed the outreach, saying reaching isolated mountain settlements reflects the university’s commitment to constitutional values of social justice and ensuring quality education reaches the last in line.
Chair Professor Harsh Dobhal highlighted Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vision of nation-building and said education remains the most potent instrument for socio-economic transformation of rural mountain youth. He urged students to build strong personality through daily reading, public speaking and persuasive expression in regional and national languages to claim space in higher education and jobs.
Prof. R.P. Mamgain, Dean, School of Social Sciences, emphasized local economic development to reverse migration. He advised youth to look beyond traditional jobs and leverage Uttarakhand’s strengths — eco-tourism, organic agriculture, value-added non-timber forest produce and traditional crafts — to build community-driven enterprises that generate local employment while preserving Himalayan ecology.
Dr. Rajesh Bhatt, Head, Department of Psychology, addressed exam stress and mental well-being, guiding students on structured study, mindfulness and coping mechanisms. He urged them to view exams as manageable milestones and to build emotional resilience to face competitive challenges.
Principal Prof. A.K. Tiwari said geographical isolation, limited digital exposure, harsh climate and lack of mentorship often hinder mountain students, and such expert workshops bridge the gap.
A dedicated school-level workshop titled *“UDAAN: Personality Development, Soft Skills and Career Path for Marginalised Youth”* was also held at Atal Utkrisht Inter College. Chatar Singh Chauhan welcomed the delegation while Ravindra Singh Rana moderated and delivered vote of thanks.
Rajesh Lal Arya thanked the resource persons, noting enthusiastic participation shows strong desire for guidance among rural youth.
Established under Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, GoI, the Chair at Doon University works for inclusion of SC/ST, OBCs and women through research, capacity-building and advocacy for social justice.
