उपराज्यपाल, दिल्ली
Namaskar,
Warm greetings to all,
- Prof. Nageshwar Rao Ji, Vice-Chancellor,
- Prof. Satyakam Ji, Pro Vice-Chancellor,
- Smt. K. Soundaravalli Ji,
- Dr. Alok Chaube Ji, Registrar,
- Directors of the School of Studies, Teachers, Academics, Staff members of IGNOU and other stakeholders, learners, distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.
At the outset, I extend very warm and heartfelt congratulations to you all on the 38th Foundation Day of IGNOU. It gives me immense pleasure to be a part of this momentous occasion of this illustrious University. Today, we have gathered here to commemorate the visionaries who laid the foundation of this esteemed University and to celebrate the journey that has shaped IGNOU over the years. As we embark on this joyous occasion, it is essential to pay homage to the great minds whose vision and dedication laid the foundation of this esteemed University.
02. Founding an institution, is an act of foresight, a commitment to the future, and a belief in the transformative power of education. Today, as IGNOU celebrate its 38th foundation day, I remember those farsighted individuals, who recognized the power of distance learning, and its pivotal role in nation-building. Now, IGNOU stands tall, as a beacon of knowledge and academic excellence in the field of inclusive education and distance learning, in India. Since its inception, IGNOU has been steadfast in its commitment to deliver a flexible, learner-centric, cost-effective and high-quality education with an emphasis on equity and access.
Dear Friends,
03. Inclusivity lies at the heart of the National Education Policy 2020, and IGNOU has proved to be an institution, that has democratized higher education like never before. It is indeed a “People’s University”
04. In the years that have passed since IGNOU's inception, we have witnessed remarkable achievements. Established in 1985, IGNOU has grown to become the largest university in the world, in terms of enrollment and has played a pivotal role, in making education inclusive. It has provided accessible and flexible learning opportunities, to a diverse range of learners across the country, and beyond.
05. I am glad to know that IGNOU has an annual enrolment of 13 lakh learners in the last academic session. It has a cumulative enrolment of 35 lakh learners on rolls presently, and another 35 lakhs who have passed out over the last 38 years and are vibrant alumni along with 15000 plus international students. The University has also received an A++ rating from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) for accreditation in 2021.
06. India's aspiration to become the world's third-largest economy hinges significantly on nurturing a highly skilled and capable workforce. The National Education Policy 2020 envisions for a paradigm shift in the entire education system of India. NEP 2020 is a landmark transformative initiative that aims to develop well-rounded competent individuals by providing the right environment and equitable quality education. It aims for a holistic and multidisciplinary education to develop all human capacities, to lead the country into the 21st century, and the fourth industrial revolution.
07. The demand for higher education in our country far exceeds its supply. The density of educational institutions in India has no doubt increased, but educational institutions are still absent in many places. College density, i.e. the number of colleges per lakh eligible population, (population in the age-group 18-23 years) varies from 7 in Bihar to 59 in Karnataka, as compared to the All India average of 30.
08. This to my mind is an area of concern, and IGNOU can play a major role in addressing this concern through the NEP-2020, in tune with the global agenda of UN Sustainable Development Goals-2030. SDG-4 seeks to 'ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all'. It’s heartening to know that IGNOU has been providing educational opportunities across the length and breadth of the country. To the population living in rural and remote areas of the country, to women, SC/ST, slum dwellers, transgenders, prison inmates, persons with disabilities and other such disadvantaged sections.
09. We can proudly say that the Indian higher education system is the third largest in the world, and offers education and training, across almost all disciplines. Having said that, there is also a need, that India should transform its higher education system into a robust, student-centric global education hub.
10. I have been saying time and again, and I repeat, that our institutions of higher learning, need to work towards shifting the educational and intellectual Centre of Gravity, from the West to India. We are faced with the situation, that can be characterized as nothing but brain-drain, as indeed, drain of our precious foreign exchange.
11. Despite our educational infrastructure having grown by leaps and bounds, we today have more than 7,50,000 students, pursuing higher education abroad. What is concerning is, that this figure does not seem to be reversing or even stagnating. While in the year 2019, 1.93 lakh students went to USA, the same figure in 2023 stands at about 2.69 lakh. Similarly, the figures for United Kingdom and Germany, during the same period, rose from 37,500 to 1.43 lakh and 25,000 to 43,000 respectively.
12. This is unacceptable to say the least. For a country that is the inheritor of the Golden Heritage of Nalanda, Taksh Shila, Vikram Shila and Udant Puri, etc. - Centres of education, that attracted scholars from as far as Greece, China and Egypt, there is a need to introspect and overhaul.
My dear friends,
13. This skewed state-of-affairs to my understanding, is primarily owing to our colonial past and the demands thereof. Our institutions became factories for producing Babus and Helpers - cogs that helped move the wheels of a coercive colonial, and imperialist administration. Unfortunately, the trend, rather than reversing, got strengthened, even after independence. Our institutions evolved only so much, as to additionally become factories for producing white-collar Babus for corporates and industries as we grew.
14. There has been, I must say, a lack of focus on fundamental and basic research. Research, that involves and attracts students and scholars to innovate and invent. We loaded our students with thesis, without instilling into them the capabilities of formulating, anti-thesis, and in the process blocked the ever-important process of synthesis.
15. Students from Indian Universities went for their higher education to Universities and Institutions abroad, not because of the glamour of a foreign land, but because the Institutions there, provided them with conducive crucibles for enhancing their knowledge, researching and creating. What else could explain that after C.V. Raman, be it a Hargobind Khurana, Amartya Sen, Venky Ramakrishnan or an Abhijit Banerjee, all got their Nobile prizes, for their works abroad.
16. We will have to, and we must address this question with all sincerity, if we want to seriously expect, the academic Centre of Gravity, shifting from the West to our motherland. To promote research in all the fields of education, the NEP-2020 has proposed the National Research Foundation (NRF), that will nurture the culture of research among learners as well as Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs). IGNOU should also aim to create a conducive ecosystem, to catalyze and energize, research and innovation.
17. Having touched upon the wider and higher goal of specialized education, I would like to once again come back, to the immediate brass tacks, of our education economy. It will be pertinent to mention here, that National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, has rightfully touched upon, and effectively highlighted, the new imperatives and critical facets, of the dynamically changing education landscape.
18. Additionally, the NEP 2020 recognizes, the rich heritage of ancient and eternal Indian knowledge and thought, as a guiding principle. Indigenous Knowledge System (IKS) Centres have been set up across the country to catalyze original research, education and dissemination of IKS. I am happy to know that IGNOU has introduced many programmes and courses, based on Indian Knowledge, Indian Heritage and Culture.
19. NEP 2020 also emphasizes the importance of language inclusivity in education. Recently, our Hon’ble PM launched 100 textbooks for undergraduate Programmes, in 12 Indian languages. This is in line with, his professed aim of promoting regional languages. In this direction, the translation of IGNOU self-learning material in Tamil and other regional languages, is commendable.
20. It is heartening to know that the University is also offering several academic programmes, including MA in Jyotish, Folklore and Cultural Studies, Vedic Studies, Sanskrit, Hindi and Urdu, as well as Drawing and Painting to promote IKS. IGNOU has also established the Centre for Modern Indian Languages, for promoting Indian Languages. I am happy to know that IGNOU is also offering a Hindi awareness programme in 9 countries.
21. When we desire to build a futuristic and inclusive higher education landscape, there is a need to identify, the focus areas where we can work upon. Education should focus on student upskilling and vocational education, to build a high-quality future workforce. Equal emphasis needs to be given to the curricular and the extra-curricular, for holistic student development. One of the key aspects of NEP 2020 is the shift towards a multidisciplinary approach, emphasizing the integration of arts, sciences, and vocational subjects.
22. Emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics, and Virtual Reality, have opened up numerous opportunities, and have also greatly impacted, the institutions and other stakeholders. IGNOU should, effectively utilize these developments, to attain global standards and thereby, produce globally competent, yet locally relevant graduates.
Dear friends,
23. As we celebrate our history, we also set our sights on the future. IGNOU is committed to providing lifelong learning. The path ahead may have its challenges, but with the same spirit of determination and innovation, that guided you from the beginning, you are poised to achieve even greater heights.
24. The National Education Policy of India is a bold and forward-looking initiative that holds the promise of unlocking the full potential of our youth. It aims at fostering innovation, and catapulting India, into a knowledge-driven society. Implementation of this policy in true spirit, will transform higher education in the country. It would set India on the path to global educational leadership, and pave the way for attaining the past glory of attracting international scholarship. Let us all join hands in its realization, ensuring that education becomes not just a means of acquiring knowledge, but a tool, for empowerment, enlightenment, and national progress.
25. I once again extend my warm wishes to you on the successful completion of 37 years of service in the field of distance learning. Let us embrace the challenges, that lie ahead with courage and determination. Let us continue to evolve, adapt, and lead, in a world that is constantly changing. Together, as a community, we can, overcome any obstacle and achieve new heights of success.
Thank you, and wish you all many more years of success and achievement!
Jai Hind.