C.P. RadhakrishnanNew Delhi: Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan on Tuesday said that Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) stands as a pillar of India’s open and distance learning ecosystem. “I feel it is the ‘closest’ learning system now, no more ‘distance’,” he added.Speaking as the chief guest at the university’s 39th convocation, which was held at Baba Saheb Ambedkar Convention Centre in Maidan Garhi, he said the institution has played a transformative role in expanding access to higher education for those who could not pursue it earlier due to constraints of time, money and resources. Lieutenant governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu attended the event as the guest of honour.As many as 3,24,844 degrees, diplomas and certificates were conferred through DigiLocker.Highlighting IGNOU’s outreach, the Vice-President said the university’s greatest achievement lies in connecting with learners from rural India. “Countless lives have been changed in meaningful ways and it is getting much closer to them through regional centres. Among the learners, 58% came from the rural areas. This results in national development,” he said.Radhakrishnan said that the Covid-19 pandemic underscored the importance of flexible learning systems. “It taught us to rapidly embrace online learning technologies and that is why we are able to make this possible today. At a time when traditional universities were forced to shut down, IGNOU was relatively better prepared because of its distance learning model,” he added.The Vice-President also applauded the strong representation of women among the graduates, noting that nearly 60% were women. “IGNOU’s journey since 1985 has been truly remarkable. It has extended learning opportunities to all sections, including working individuals, students in remote and rural areas, financially disadvantaged learners, and women,” he said.Sandhu said IGNOU has, for decades, broken barriers of distance, time and circumstance to reach millions of learners across the country. “The scale and inclusiveness are its greatest strengths. Now, as you step out, you’re entering a world that is changing very fast. These changes address real-world challenges, addressing employment and driving technology advancements. This gives an opportunity to think beyond traditional career pathways and explore innovation-driven roles.”The LG also spoke about how evolving technology and AI bring both opportunities and challenges. “Opportunity lies in acquiring new skills and participating in sectors that are shaping the future,” Sandhu said, adding that as students move ahead, they should stay connected with society.Addressing the students, vice-chancellor Uma Kanjilal said, “IGNOU stands as a global model of inclusive, lifelong education, with around 3.9 million learners and 14.7 lakh enrolled in 2025 alone. With 56% women and 58% from rural and disadvantaged communities, it is redefining access. Over 3.2 lakh learners graduating this year reflect its transformative impact.”The event was also attended virtually by several dignitaries, including Goa’s governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Tripura’s governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu and Rajasthan’s deputy chief minister Prem Chand Bairwa.
