Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan Praises IGNOU's Transformative Educational Impact
Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan, speaking as the chief guest at the 39th convocation of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), emphatically declared that the institution stands as a foundational pillar of India's open and distance learning ecosystem. The event was held at the Baba Saheb Ambedkar Convention Centre in Maidan Garhi, New Delhi.
"I feel it is the 'closest' learning system now, no more 'distance'," Radhakrishnan stated, highlighting IGNOU's evolution into an accessible educational model. He emphasized that the university has played a transformative role in expanding access to higher education for individuals previously constrained by limitations of time, finances, and resources.
Massive Scale of Graduation and Digital Innovation
At the convocation, a staggering total of 3,24,844 degrees, diplomas, and certificates were conferred digitally through the DigiLocker platform. Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu attended as the guest of honour, underscoring the event's significance.
Radhakrishnan pointed to IGNOU's remarkable outreach, particularly its connection with learners from rural India. "Countless lives have been changed in meaningful ways," he said, noting that the university is drawing closer to students through its regional centres. Impressively, 58% of IGNOU's learners hail from rural areas, a statistic that Radhakrishnan linked directly to national development.
Pandemic Resilience and Women's Empowerment
The Vice-President reflected on how the Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the critical importance of flexible learning systems. "It taught us to rapidly embrace online learning technologies," he remarked, adding that IGNOU was relatively better prepared than traditional universities during lockdowns due to its established distance learning model.
Radhakrishnan also applauded the strong representation of women among the graduates, with nearly 60% being female. He celebrated IGNOU's journey since its inception in 1985, stating it has extended learning opportunities to all societal segments, including working professionals, remote and rural students, financially disadvantaged learners, and women.
Leadership Perspectives on Inclusivity and Future Challenges
Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu praised IGNOU for breaking barriers of distance, time, and circumstance over decades to reach millions nationwide. "The scale and inclusiveness are its greatest strengths," Sandhu asserted. He advised graduates that they are entering a rapidly changing world where real-world challenges demand innovative thinking beyond traditional career paths.
Sandhu also addressed the dual nature of evolving technology and artificial intelligence, presenting both opportunities and challenges. He encouraged students to acquire new skills for future-shaping sectors while maintaining strong connections with society.
IGNOU's Global Model and Statistical Impact
Addressing the convocation, Vice-Chancellor Uma Kanjilal reinforced IGNOU's status as a global model of inclusive, lifelong education. The university currently serves approximately 3.9 million learners, with 14.7 lakh enrolled in 2025 alone. Kanjilal highlighted that 56% of learners are women and 58% come from rural and disadvantaged communities, redefining educational access.
"Over 3.2 lakh learners graduating this year reflect its transformative impact," Kanjilal stated, underscoring the institution's substantial contribution to India's educational landscape.
The event was 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, demonstrating broad national recognition of IGNOU's achievements.
