IGNOU a pillar of open learning, says V-P at convocation

Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Tuesday (April 7, 2026) participated in the 39th Convocation of the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), where he said the university, which has over 14 lakh learners, including 56% women and 58% from rural and disadvantaged communities, was a pillar of “India’s open and distance learning ecosystem”.

Referring to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vice President said that IGNOU remained resilient due to its established distance-learning model and congratulated the university for effectively leveraging digital platforms such as SWAYAM and e-GyanKosh to ensure uninterrupted learning and emergence as a leader in technology-enabled education.

Asking the students not to fear development, Mr. Radhakrishnan said, “There were apprehensions when computers were introduced in the country, with fears that they would take away jobs; however, they ultimately generated more employment and contributed to national growth. Emerging tools such as artificial intelligence can enhance learning experiences, improve student support, and enable personalised education.” 

He added that modern development must go hand in hand with tradition, and ethical values should guide scientific advancement.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu, who was present on the occasion, said IGNOU has truly transformed education in India by breaking barriers of distance, time, and circumstance, reaching millions of learners across the country. “Today’s environment demands more than just a degree; it demands adaptability, skills, and a willingness to keep learning. Your degree is not the end of education; it is just the beginning,” Mr. Sandhu told students.