IGNOU Kohima holds 39th Convocation

801 learners conferred degrees

Morung Express News
Kohima | April 7

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Regional Centre, Kohima organised its 39th Convocation at the State Academy Hall on April 7, with Rupin Sharma, Director General of Police, Nagaland, gracing the programme as the guest of honour.

At the Kohima Regional Centre, 801 learners were declared eligible for the award of qualifications, including 583 Master’s degrees, 151 Bachelor’s degrees, 25 diplomas, and 14 certificates. Out of these, around 240 graduates attended the ceremony to receive their certificates from the Guest of Honour.

Emphasising that education is a continuous and lifelong process, the DGP urged learners to remain committed to acquiring knowledge beyond formal qualifications. Describing education as both a privilege and a responsibility, Sharma lauded the perseverance of learners who pursued studies despite various personal, financial and social challenges. He noted that many individuals turn to education later in life after realising the importance of self-development and knowledge in shaping their future.

“A degree is not the end of learning, it is only the beginning,” he said, encouraging graduates to continuously seek knowledge and improve themselves as individuals and contributors to society.

Highlighting the broader role of education, Sharma observed that societies which encourage learning, documentation and knowledge-sharing have historically progressed faster, while those lacking access to education have often been left behind. He stressed that learning is essential not only for personal growth but also for the advancement of society as a whole.

He further underlined that knowledge is acquired through multiple avenues, including formal education, personal experiences, interaction with others and exposure to diverse ideas. Encouraging learners to cultivate curiosity, he pointed out that engaging with different perspectives and sources of information helps broaden one’s understanding of the world.

Underscoring the importance of open and distance learning, Sharma said institutions like IGNOU have played a crucial role in bridging educational gaps by bringing learning opportunities to those unable to access conventional systems due to distance, financial limitations or other constraints.

He described open and distance learning as a reflection of the flexibility and inclusiveness of modern education systems, which allow individuals to continue learning at different stages of life.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Mayonmi Shimray, Assistant Regional Director informed that the main convocation ceremony was held simultaneously at IGNOU Headquarters in New Delhi, where CP Radhakrishnan attended as the chief guest. A total of 2,99,092 learners across the country and abroad were conferred degrees, diplomas and certificates.

Highlighting the university’s accomplishments, the Regional Director noted that IGNOU has been accredited with the highest A++ grade by NAAC and ranked first among open universities in the National Institutional Ranking Framework. The university has also emerged as the largest open university in the world and continues to uphold its mandate of providing inclusive, accessible, and affordable education in line with the National Education Policy 2020.

He further underscored IGNOU’s extensive academic network, offering over 333 programmes through 21 Schools of Studies and a wide support system comprising regional centres and learner support centres across India and abroad. Emphasis was also laid on digital and online education initiatives, including e-Gyankosh, the IGNOU e-content platform, and its role as the national coordinator for SWAYAM and SWAYAM Prabha educational channels.

Providing a regional perspective, he stated that the Kohima Regional Centre, established on December 14, 2000, has grown significantly over the years. From an initial enrolment of just 32 learners in 2001, the centre has facilitated the successful completion of programmes for over 20,000 learners. At present, it operates 16 study centres across Nagaland, offering a wide range of programmes from certificate to postgraduate levels.

The programme featured the IGNOU Kulgeet, followed IGNOU learner sharing their experiences. This was followed by the distribution of degree certificates to the graduates by guest of honour. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by RV Tetso, Assistant Registrar, IGNOU Kohima, and the National Anthem.