Largest University in the World, IGNOU, turns 27

"Every big district should have a university and the government should come out with a policy for deemed universities," said V Narayanasamy, Minister of State, PMO, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, elaborating upon the 'New Education Policy.' He was delivering the presidential address at the 27th Foundation Day celebrations of the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).

"The country needs knowledge; knowledge comes from education and education has to be research based. The number of universities in India is not sufficient to cater to the goal. The open universities cover almost 67% of the country's requirement. They have to reach the villages through informal method," he explained.

A poor stratum of the society gets employment only if they go for vocational course, for that I feel that IGNOU's concentration should be more on the rural population. We have to reflect on our strengths comprising of 65% of youth and labour force," he concluded.

According to a press statement released by the university, the 27th Foundation Day Lecture was delivered by Prof Arun Diwakar Nath Bajpai, VC, Himachal Pradesh University on 'Ethics, Education and Economy' wherein he focused on various characteristics of 'Ethics' namely, eternality, holistic approach, inclusiveness, character and subtleness.

"If ethical code of conduct is to be explained by me then it comes with all these characteristics. If these characteristics are incorporated in education then some development can be achieved in terms of economy. However, quality must be maintained. Quality to me means abstract, originality and creativity. Today's education system is lacking that original creativity in research," he said.

He emphasized that the present education system creates job seekers and not entrepreneurs. "Now the time has come that we produce edupreneurs," he concluded.

Prof Gopinath Pradhan, VC, IGNOU, in his welcome address mentioned that IGNOU is the largest university in the world with 2.58 million students on roll.

Other dignitaries present were Prof. Ravindra Kumar, Director, Research Unit, IGNOU, who organized the event and U S Tolia, Registrar, IGNOU, who proposed a vote of thanks.

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