Media Release - IGNOU confers more than 2.79 Lakh Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates at its 36th Convocation

Media Release

The Indira Gandhi National Open University hosted its 36th Convocation today at Baba Saheb Ambedkar Convention Centre, IGNOU Maidan Garhi Campus. The Hon'ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, was the Chief Guest and delivered the 36th Convocation Address on the occasion. The University conferred 279,917 degrees, diplomas, and certificates in the Convocation to the successful students in their respective programmes.

Gold medals were also awarded to meritorious students in the Convocation by the Hon'ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu.

The Hon'ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, in her Convocation address said that IGNOU has played a commendable role in promoting 'Access to Higher Education'. She added "I am especially happy to know that out of the total students, about 50 percent of the students are from rural background, and of those 25 percent are women."

The Hon'ble President on IGNOU's role on Social Inclusion through Education said "With the light of education, it spreads in the darkness. I am particularly happy to know that thousands of jail-inmates are also getting education from IGNOU. This education will be helpful for the rehabilitation of jail-inmates and for them to start a better life after their release from prison."

Commending IGNOU's contribution to Higher Education, the Hon'ble President of India said "Many students find it difficult to pursue higher education because of their 'responsibilities' and 'circumstances'. Institutes like IGNOU are helping in providing education to such students. Thus, distance education has a wide socio-economic utility."

Prof. Nageshwar Rao, Vice-Chancellor IGNOU conferred the degrees instantly to more than 2.5 Lakh learners in the presence of The Hon'ble President of India via Digilocker seamlessly using Block-chain Technology.

Prof. Nageshwar Rao, Vice-Chancellor IGNOU in his address at the occasion said that it is indeed an honour and privilege to have the Hon'ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, as the Chief Guest. Apprising the Hon'ble President, Prof. Nagesgwar Rao, VC IGNOU said that the University has taken many initiatives during the last year. He informed that IGNOU has been working on Multidisciplinary and Holistic Education as envisaged in NEP 2020 and that a special cell has been created at the University for the implementation of NEP 2020 Recommendations. He also touched upon other facets like Vocational and Skill-based Education, Research & Innovation, Promotion of Indian Languages and ICT enabled educations etc., which the University has been working on to realize the National Education Policy 2020 goals.

On Technology adoption front, Prof. Rao shared that the University has been making use of technology-enabled education since its inception to connect with its diverse student base spread across the country and globe and moving to the digital format, IGNOU is now the National coordinator for creating and delivering MOOCs via the Swayam Portal of the Indian government.

The Convocation function was conducted simultaneously at all the Regional Centers of the University across the country while the main function was held at the University headquarters. The proceedings of the Convocation were made available live on IGNOU’s GyanDarshan Channel, broadcast through GyanVani, and webcast through IGNOU portal, YouTube, and SwayamPrabhaCharrnels. IGNOU's Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/OfficialPageIGNOU) also streamed it live.