New Delhi, April 7: Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan attended the 39th convocation ceremony of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) in New Delhi on Tuesday. Over 3.2 million students received their degrees, diplomas, and certificates during the event.
The Vice President emphasized IGNOU’s transformative role, describing it as a pillar of the country’s open and distance education system. This institution has significantly made higher education accessible across the nation. With more than 1.4 million students enrolled, 56% are women, and 58% come from rural and marginalized communities. The student population at IGNOU surpasses that of many countries, highlighting its vital contribution to educational equality, social mobility, and national development. He encouraged students to continue lifelong learning, uphold values, and contribute to nation-building.
Referring to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vice President noted that IGNOU remained resilient due to its established distance education model. The university effectively utilized digital platforms like SWAYAM and e-Gyankosh to ensure uninterrupted education, emerging as a leader in technology-based education. IGNOU has introduced flexible, student-centered four-year undergraduate programs, allowing students to exit with certificates during their studies. He also praised the integration of Indian knowledge systems with modern education.
The Vice President stated that emerging fields like Artificial Intelligence can enhance learning experiences, provide better support to students, and enable personalized education. There is no need to fear modern advancements. When computers were introduced, there were concerns they would take jobs, yet they created more employment and contributed to national development.
He further mentioned that technologies like Artificial Intelligence should be embraced similarly. However, he stressed the importance of responsible and accountable use of such technologies. India’s greatest strength lies in its belief in ethical values. He emphasized that modern development should align with traditions and that scientific progress must be guided by moral values.
In closing, he highlighted the importance of collective responsibility, stating that individual efforts, when combined, will significantly aid in building a developed India by 2047.
To ensure accessibility for students nationwide, the Vice President issued certificates via DigiLocker under the National Academic Depository (NAD). He also launched the IGNOU Alumni Portal, which has already registered over 5 million users.
Present at the event were Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor Tarun Chugh, IGNOU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Uma Kanjilal, and other dignitaries.
Additionally, the Vice President inaugurated the SWAYAM Prabha Studio at regional IGNOU centers across the country. Governors from Tripura, Goa, and Rajasthan, along with other esteemed guests, participated virtually from their respective regional IGNOU centers.
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