Open, Distance, and Digital Learning (ODDL) is proving to be a truly transformative force, profoundly reshaping India’s education landscape. It champions equity and broadens opportunities, perfectly aligning with the National Education Policy 2020’s vision for flexible pathways, diverse entry and exit options, and a commitment to lifelong learning. This significant shift was underscored by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Vice-Chancellor, Uma Kanjilal, who spoke recently about ODDL’s impact.
During her address at the 26th convocation of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University, Ms. Kanjilal emphasized how ODDL is empowering learners with vital employable skills, propelling India towards a higher Gross Enrolment Ratio and advancing its Sustainable Development Goals. This progress is largely due to the seamless integration of cutting-edge technologies like Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), virtual labs, and artificial intelligence. She also noted ODDL’s remarkable resilience, particularly evident during challenging times like the pandemic.
Ms. Kanjilal asserted that ODDL is no longer merely a supplementary educational model but has firmly established itself as a mainstream conduit for knowledge. It significantly strengthens India’s overall education system, actively preparing its citizens to meet the demands and challenges of the future.
The university’s Governor and Chancellor, Jishnu Dev Varma, praised Dr. BRAOU for its commendable initiatives. These include offering freeships to transgender students and individuals with disabilities, providing dedicated support to Adivasi students through the Samatha program, and robust efforts in digital learning and skill enhancement. He hailed these as crucial steps in nation-building, embodying dignity, inclusion, and core constitutional values.
University Vice-Chancellor Ghanta Chakrapani presented the institutional report, revealing impressive achievements from the convocation ceremony. A total of 86 gold medals were awarded, and 203 incarcerated individuals successfully earned their degrees for the 2023-24 academic year, with two of them receiving gold medals. Overall, the ceremony celebrated the conferral of 60,288 degrees, diplomas, and certificates.
Adding to the day’s honors, the university bestowed honorary doctorates upon two distinguished individuals: lyricist and poet Goreti Venkanna, recognized for his profound contributions to Telugu literature, and Prem Pal Singh Rawat of the Global Peace Education Network, for his global efforts in boosting student enrollment and reducing crime rates.