Srinagar: The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) celebrated its 38th Convocation in New Delhi, along with 39 Regional Centres across the country. The convocation was simultaneously held by IGNOU Regional Centre Srinagar at Tagore Hall for learners from the Kashmir and Ladakh regions. Shantmanu, Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education Department, Government of J&K, was the special guest, while Prof. (Dr.) Mohammad Mobin, Vice-Chancellor of Cluster University Srinagar, was the Guest of Honour.
In his address, Shantmanu stated that the distance between universities and learners has now been eliminated, highlighting the advantages of open and distance education. He also shared that he had received his Master’s degree in Public Administration from IGNOU in this convocation. Additionally, he awarded degrees to a number of graduating students. Prof. Mohammad Mobin and Dr. A. H. Rizvi, Regional Director, presented degrees to the awardees present on the occasion. Dr. Rizvi emphasized the growing importance of distance and online education in the modern era and praised IGNOU’s role in providing quality educational services to students in remote, rural, and far-flung areas. The Regional Director informed that 11,792 learners from various academic programs were eligible to receive degrees at the convocation. Dr. Rizvi further announced that, for the convenience of students from remote areas, new examination centres have been set up at Government Degree Colleges in Kreeri, Langate, Uri, Handwara, Qazigund, Dooru, DH Pora, and Mattan. During the function, certificates of Honour, Appreciation, and Excellence were also distributed. The event was attended by Deans, Heads, and faculty members from the Central University of Kashmir and the University of Kashmir, the Director of NIELIT, Principals, Coordinators, and staff from government colleges across Kashmir Valley. Various officers from the J&K Administration and Police Department, alumni, gold medalists from Kashmir, members of the media fraternity, and other distinguished guests were also present at the event.
