Srinagar, Jan 11: The first ski course of Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering (IISM) concluded in Gulmarg.
 The graduation ceremony was attended by Brig Ashok Abbey of Rasthriya Rifles as chief guest. The function was to be attended by Lt Gen Hasnain, GOC 15 Corps as chief guest, who however could not reach due to bad weather.
 The course was attended by 108 students.
 Principal IISM said that due to holidays in plains, most of the students want to attend the first course organized immediately after Christmas. “Due to high standards of training and administration of IISM, all the six ski courses have been fully subscribed till March 2012,” he added.
 In the concluded course 20 students were sponsored by Army from remote areas of Lolab. The boys did advance course and are now capable to teach skiing to tourists and other students. Army has also sponsored 90 more students from different parts of the Kashmir who will be doing subsequent ski courses at IISM.
 “Such courses are very useful for the local youth as these create lot of employment avenues for them” said the Principal, IISM. “Kashmir is a tourist state and there is a huge potential for adventure tourism. However, there is a lack of trained manpower to entertain the tourists in different adventure activities.”

Lastupdate on : Wed, 11 Jan 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 IST