Kyndryl collaborates with HIAL to empower Ladakhi youth with entrepreneurial skills

Bengaluru, December 13, 2023: Kyndryl, the world’s largest IT infrastructure services provider, is partnering with the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL) to empower Ladakhi youth with real-world entrepreneurship skills tailored to address region-specific problems and support sustainability goals.

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility outreach, Kyndryl will support HIAL's flagship program, the "HILLs Fellowship in Integrated Mountain Development." This commitment includes sponsoring students enrolled in the program and providing career guidance. Kyndryl’s volunteers will also offer tech and non-tech assistance to support the students as needed.

“HIAL’s reputation for building frugal innovation projects is something that impressed me, and we are excited to work closely with them. This engagement will empower Ladakhi youth with the skills, insights, and training to become social entrepreneurs for their region. The values and vision of HIAL and the HILLS Fellowship align with our own focus areas of corporate social responsibility – future forward education, inclusive economy, and climate action,”said Lingraju Sawkar, President of Kyndryl India.  

“By investing in the education and development of Himalayan youth, Kyndryl is building a skilled and innovative workforce that can contribute to India's economic growth. This program will empower these young people to harness their potential and be drivers of sustainable development. Many of our graduates embark on their own successful ventures, becoming social entrepreneurs that provide employment for others in their communities," said Sonam Wangchuk, Founding Director of HIAL. 

“Our curriculum differs from the traditional system in its focus on innovation, creativity and practical learning. We aim to create a young workforce capable of intelligent problem-solving, sustainable living and independent thought. With support from Kyndryl, we aim to make these education courses more accessible to the local student population,” said Gitanjali J B, Co-Founder, CEO and Dean, HIAL.

Residents of Ladakh and other Himalayan mountain regions require customized learning approaches and skills to tackle the unique social and environmental challenges in their environment. The 11-month immersive program addresses this skills gap through hands-on practical learning, focusing on specific topics such as environmental studies, sustainable entrepreneurship, responsible tourism, and eco-responsive architecture. The goal is to equip students to become social entrepreneurs.