35th Convocation of IGNOU on 26th April, 2022
The 35th Convocation of IGNOU was held today on 26th April, 2022 (Tuesday) at IGNOU, Hqrs., New Delhi and its 32 Regional Centres simultaneously. Sh. Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Minister Education; Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Govt. of India, was the Chief Guest for the convocation function and delivered the convocation address at IGNOU Headquarters, New Delhi. The Convocation of IGNOU, Regional Centre, Chandigarh was held at the auditorium of Dev Samaj College of Education, Sector – 36B, Chandigarh. Dr. Archana Mishra, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University (DBRANLU), Sonipat, Haryana presided over the function and delivered the convocation address at RC Chandigarh and awarded Degrees/Diplomas to 252 students of Master Degrees and Professional Bachelor Degrees. In the convocation 4499 successful learners were awarded Degrees & Diplomas. Out of 4499 awardees, 1064 were from Master, 1547 from different Bachelor, 1399 from Diploma and 489 from PG Diploma. In the previous convocation 2950 students were awarded degrees. The significant increase in the awardees reflects the quality of support services provided to our learners by the Learners Support Centres.
Dr. Anil K. Dimri, Sr. Regional Director presented the annual report of the Regional Centre. In his report he mentioned that with a network of 25 Study Centres, Chandigarh Region of IGNOU, admits more than 22000 students per year and during the academic session 2021-22 the total student strength was 22694. He also shared that 89 students from this region have received their Degree with distinction and 2501 learners with 1st Division. Dr. Dimri, highlighted the activities of the Centre and advised the students to take advantage of Open & Distance Learning based education, as this is cost effective and accessible to the common people. He also emphasized that IGNOU, Regional Centre Chandigarh is making sincere efforts to provide better Support Services both through online and offline mode.
With a view to promote Open and Distance Learning education Regional Centre, Chandigarh was established in the year 2009 covering Panchkula, Mohali, Ambala, Patiala, Ropar, Fatehgarh Sahib districts and UT Chandigarh. At inception of Regional Centre, Chandigarh there were only 05 Learner Support Centres which are presently 25 almost covering all the districts under this region and has witnessed 11 times growth in enrolment during last 13 years. He also emphasized that recently IGNOU and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India has signed an MOU as a result, National Skill Training Institutes (NSTI), ITIs, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras (PMKK) and Jan Shikshan Sansthans (JSS) will function as registration-cum-examination centre and this will give opportunities to the youth to obtain higher education with skill training.
Dr. Archana Mishra, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University (DBRANLU), Sonipat, Haryana, awarded the Degrees and Diplomas to 252 successful learners of IGNOU. In her convocation address, she emphasized the role of the Open & Distance Learning system in the present context and shared that our youths should come forward to take advantage of the system. Dr. Mishra highlighted that the greatest hallmarks of IGNOU which is lacking in the Conventional University system is the considerable degree of flexibility in entry qualification, place, pace, lateral entry and exit points and duration of study. She also pointed out that the conventional education system miserably falls short in meeting this ever increasing demand of higher education because of the inherent limitations of restricted intake. What is the way forward? Open Distance Learning (ODL) is the answer. The potential of this mode of education was realized long ago and a separate Department of Distance Education as part of the conventional university system became a reality. The country realized the need and potential of distance learning as a viable, sustainable and cost-effective recipe to cope with the mounting pressure of higher education. She also advised the learners not to violate the basic matrix of morality, values of honour, dignity, friendship, social well-being and compassion towards fellow men. No idea or prescription can be above the conscience of humankind, the prime mission of the learner is to serve your family, your fellow men, the society and the country as a whole. One could be a good professional only if one is a good human being.
The Principal’s of different Degree Colleges of Chandigarh, Coordinators of IGNOU, Study Centre Staff, Academic Counsellors, and other Guests were present on this occasion. The programme was also attended by Dr. Savita Panwar, Asstt. Regional Director and other staff of the Regional Centre. The programme was conducted by Dr. Savita Panwar, Asstt. Regional Director and who also offered a vote of thanks.
