The Buddhist philosophy of "shunyavaad" is the cornerstone of the theory of postmodernism Hon'ble HRD Minister at 33rd Convocation of IGNOU

The Indira Gandhi National Open University hosted its 33rd Convocation today at Baba Saheb Ambedkar Convention Centre, IGNOU Maidan Garhi Campus. The University conferred more than 200,000 degrees, diplomas, and certificates in the Convocation to the successful students in their respective programmes. Gold medals were also awarded to over 50 meritorious students in the Convocation by Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ Hon’ble Minister, Human Resource Development; Govt. of India, who was the Chief Guest and delivered the 33rd Convocation Address on the occasion.

In his convocation address, Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ while congratulating the successful students, who have attained distinctions and Gold medals, said that the achievements earned by you is due to the blessings of your teachers, and your parents, who guided and facilitated you to attain such noteworthy distinctions. He also applauded IGNOU for having unprecedented expertise in developing and launching academic programmes that are needed in the present context and very useful for learning communities. He also made a mention of the skill oriented curriculum weaved around a conducive environment for learners by the university.

Stressing upon the need to develop courses in Indian languages for wider reach, he stressed upon further development of Hindi and Sanskrit in the Universities but recognition of Hindi as the National Language alone is not enough. He emphasized about the Buddhist philosophy of ‘shunyavaad’ which is the cornerstone of the theory of postmodernism.

He also lauded the role played by IGNOU to increase the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER), which cannot be achieved alone by the conventional system of education. He urged the university to introduce programmes which are employment-centric and help in employment generation.

Welcoming the Chief Guest, Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ Hon’ble Minister, Human Resource Development, Prof. Nageshwar Rao, Vice-Chancellor of the University said that the University owes a deep sense of gratitude to him for gracing the occasion as the Chief Guest. Highlighting the growth of fresh students in July, 2019 and on-going January, 2020 admissions cycles, Prof. Rao said that the volume of admission clearly speaks about the contribution of IGNOU in improving GER in higher education in tune with Govt. of India’s target to achieve 30% GER in higher education.

Prof Rao further informed that the university has introduced 26 new academic programmes including three graduate degree (general), nine graduate honours programmes under CBCS and three Online programmes in last two admission cycles to meet diversified needs in the disciplines of health sciences, vocational areas, tourism, environment change, yoga, development study, etc.

Informing about the university’s online orientation for Digital Migration, Prof Nageshwar Rao added that a Centre for Online Education (COE) has been established to facilitate and guide the design and delivery of academic programmes through online mode. An Integrated Learner Management System based on Moodle (open source) is being put in place. Measures for capacity building of faculty, conversion of regular to online mode and identification of e-Counsellors and evaluators are being initiated by the University in the last two years.

The Convocation function was conducted simultaneously at 39 Regional Centers of the University across the country while the main function was held at the University headquarters. The proceedings of the Convocation were live telecast on DD Bharti, IGNOU’s Gyan Darshan Channel and Webcast.