VP C.P. Radhakrishnan Addresses IGNOU Convocation, Over 32 Lakh Students Awarded Degrees

  • April 8, 2026, 4:39 p.m.

C. P. Radhakrishnan addressed the 39th convocation ceremony of Indira Gandhi National Open University in New Delhi, where over 32 lakh students were awarded degrees, diplomas, and certificates.

IGNOU: A Pillar of Inclusive Education

The Vice President highlighted that IGNOU:

  • Is a key pillar of open and distance learning in India
  • Has played a major role in making higher education accessible

He noted:

  • Over 14 lakh enrolled students
  • 56% women participation
  • 58% from rural and disadvantaged backgrounds

Student Strength Larger Than Many Nations

Radhakrishnan remarked that:

  • IGNOU’s student base is larger than the population of several countries
  • It reflects the university’s role in educational equity and social development

He urged students to:

  • Continue lifelong learning
  • Contribute actively to nation-building

Strong Performance During COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic:

  • IGNOU ensured uninterrupted education
  • Leveraged platforms like SWAYAM and e-Gyankosh
  • Emerged as a leader in digital and remote education

Flexibility Through NEP Reforms

Under the National Education Policy:

  • IGNOU introduced four-year undergraduate programmes
  • Enabled multiple exit options

This has made higher education more:

  • Flexible
  • Student-centric

Emphasis on AI and Technology

The Vice President encouraged:

  • Adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education
  • Responsible use of emerging technologies

He stressed that:

  • Technology should be embraced, not feared

Balancing Tradition with Modernity

He underlined the need to:

  • Align modern development with Indian traditions and values
  • Ensure scientific progress is guided by ethics

Launch of Digital Initiatives

On the occasion:

  • Certificates were issued via DigiLocker under National Academic Depository (NAD)
  • IGNOU Alumni Portal was launched with over 50 lakh registrations

Dignitaries Present

The event was attended by:

  • Taranjit Singh Sandhu
  • Uma Kanjilal

along with Governors and leaders who joined virtually.

Author : Rajdhani Delhi Representative

Rajdhani delhi representative

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