School of Open Learning Key to Developed India-2047 Vision: Ashish Sood

New Delhi witnessed the inauguration of the three-day international conference ODDDBL-2026 at Vigyan Bhavan, focusing on emerging trends and challenges in open, distance, digital, and blended learning. Addressing the event, State Education Minister Ashish Sood emphasized the vital role of the School of Open Learning (SOL) in India’s journey towards a developed nation by 2047.

The conference is organized by the Department of Distance and Continuing Education under the School of Open Learning, University of Delhi. It brings together eminent scholars, policymakers, education leaders, researchers, and practitioners from India and abroad.

Highlights of the inaugural session included the launch of the COL Radio and COL Gram Grievance Portal, alongside the release of the conference proceedings book. These initiatives demonstrate SOL’s commitment to digital outreach, learner engagement, technology-based grievance redressal, and the dissemination of academic research.

Prof. Payal Mago, Director of the Campus of Open Learning, University of Delhi, highlighted the growing relevance of open, distance, digital, and blended learning amid technological changes and evolving learner needs. She stressed the use of digital platforms, data analytics, and artificial intelligence to strengthen access, quality, and learner support, reaffirming SOL’s dedication to inclusive and technology-enabled education.

Minister Ashish Sood addressed education leaders, policymakers, scholars, and students, reiterating the Delhi Government’s commitment to inclusive, future-oriented, and human-centred education. He warmly welcomed distinguished international and national guests, including representatives from the British Council, International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE), Commonwealth of Learning, university vice-chancellors, faculty members, and meritorious students.

Speaking at the conference, Sood remarked that education today is not just a means of knowledge but a national responsibility where policy meets philosophy, and technology blends with humanity to shape the nation’s future. He noted that while technology can aid teaching and learning, true meaning and wisdom come from human experience. He stressed that knowledge without responsibility is incomplete, and power without wisdom is dangerous. Every idea shared must serve the nation.

Addressing learners’ challenges in the digital age, the minister pointed out obstacles such as limited internet access, shared devices, and practical life constraints for millions of students. He underlined the government’s responsibility to ensure learning remains continuous, meaningful, and dignified. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership, he said the National Education Policy 2020 is not merely a policy document but a civilisational reform, shifting education from rote learning to critical thinking, from certificates to capabilities, and from mere access to empowerment.

Sood highlighted that India’s tradition embraced open education millennia ago through the practice of Vidya Daan, long before the digital era. He announced that Delhi’s 2025-26 budget allocates ₹19,291 crore for education, reflecting the government’s commitment to strengthening the sector. The budget includes provisions for 175 new computer labs, modernisation of 7,000 classrooms, and the establishment of 100 AI-enabled Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Language Labs to teach French, German, and Spanish.

The minister also underscored the government’s focus on enhancing teachers’ dignity, strengthening learning foundations, and building institutional capacity. The Delhi Government has initiated zero-waste campuses and incorporated principles of green and circular economy into education. He emphasized that infrastructure alone does not impart education, but weak infrastructure hampers learning; hence, robust school facilities are essential for quality education.

Sood called upon global institutions to jointly address challenges such as the digital divide, academic integrity in the AI era, and the isolation caused by technology in learning. He advocated preparing thinkers who utilise machines rather than being replaced by them.

He clarified that open and distance learning is not a secondary option but a powerful means to break free from geographical, economic, and situational barriers, opening pathways for wall-less and lifelong education.

Invoking the Indian philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’—the world is one family—Sood urged international partners, including the British Council and Commonwealth of Learning, to collaborate with India in building an ethical, inclusive, and human-centred global digital education framework. He envisioned an India where knowledge is accessible, learning is humane, and the future is shared.

On this occasion, Prof. Yogesh Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Delhi University, highlighted the strategic role of digital innovation, blended learning, and AI-enabled systems in expanding access to higher education and promoting lifelong learning. He detailed the university’s initiatives to strengthen teaching, assessment, learning, and student services.