The Baltistan Experience: Celebrating the 2023 Cohort

The second iteration of the immersive Baltistan Experience has come to a close!

Following the successful completion of the inaugural session in 2022, this summer a second cohort spent a month living and learning in Skardu. The Baltistan Experience is part of a landmark collaboration between LUMS and the University of Baltistan, Skardu (UoBS), where students from both universities come together to take an experiential learning course. The grand closing ceremony in Skardu was the perfect opportunity to celebrate the students, staff, and faculty members involved in their project, showcase the cohort's learnings, and mark the conclusion of this year’s session.

At the ceremony, Dr. Naeem Khan, Vice Chancellor, UoBS, shared how this collaboration is important for driving solutions to Pakistan’s biggest challenges. “It’s not theoretical knowledge that we have to impart but to make students understand that they should come up with their own ideas - business ideas, development ideas, conservation ideas, and sustainability ideas,” he said. Dr. Khan further explained that there is a lot of wisdom to be drawn from nature, and Baltistan is an ideal setting for that learning.

Dr. Arshad Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, LUMS, extended his thanks to the faculty and staff from UoBS and LUMS for their efforts in making the session a success. He appreciated the hospitality and warmth shown by the Balti community. “Each time I am here, my mind opens up wide and I regain my sense of purpose and belonging,” he said.

The Chief Guest at the closing ceremony was Mr. Ghulam Shahzad Agha, Minister of Education, Gilgit-Baltistan. In his address, he praised the efforts of LUMS and UoBS students and faculty. “I hope that through programmes like this, our students will be highlighted at the national and international level.”

During the event, students also had the opportunity to showcase their work and takeaways from the experience. Students displayed their postcards and posters at the venue, and a team of judges selected the ‘Best Postcard’ and ‘Best Poster’ winners.

Acknowledging the work of students, Dr. Ahmad said, “When I see the amazing work and all that you have accomplished here, I can sleep better at night and I can rest easier knowing that our future and our present are in your hands.”

Baltistan Experience