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| Governor stresses importance of distance learning | | | Early Times Reporter
Srinagar | May 18
Governor Lt. General (Retd) S K Sinha today said that that the open learning system has potential to impart education globally and reach out to hitherto uncovered segments of Indian population in remote and far off areas.
Inaugurating 3-day National level Workshop on Open Distance Learning, jointly organized by the Distance Education Department of Kashmir University and Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) at Gandhi Bhavan of KU here this morning, the Governor said that by the end of this century it can even assume inter-planetary dimensions.
Gen Sinha said though this system of education lacks the ambience and atmosphere of the University, where interaction between youngsters and the educational environment leaves an important bearing on the students, yet its importance cannot be undermined as reaching out to larger segments is important for achieving the objective of expanding higher learning.
The Governor described the present age as the age of knowledge where mankind is in the process of conquering time and space. This has brought the world together in which development of education holds a key to progress and prosperity. On the basis of knowledge, he said, Asia is emerging as a focus of power in the spheres of human resource and economics. He also dwelled on the evolution of education in the world and said in the early medieval period the Arabs had carried the light of Knowledge to Spain which they ruled for 800 years. This brought about Renaissance and Europe emerged from the Age of Darkness, he added.
Gen Sinha said that meeting the challenge of reaching millions of un-reached people in the country with an effective multi-media package, the system of distance education could be the chosen mode for such programmes of education and training. He exuded confidence that given the expertise in this field, India will emerge as one of world leaders in years to come.
He hoped that the delegates and participants in the workshop will benefit from the experience of each other and translate that into an action programme for benefit of the targeted population.
In his presidential address, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Prof Riyaz Punjabi said that distance mode of education has traversed a long way since 70s and made its inroads in South Asia. 'It is heartening that SAARC countries are now seeking guidance from India as the country possesses a lot of expertise in this field', he added.
Professor Punjabi stressed the need for change in the mind set about this mode of education and hoped that alternative system of education will be accepted as a viable mode of learning. Resistance to these courses should end when it comes to recognizing the degrees officered by distance learning system. He said there cannot be any other mechanism than this system to reach out 70 per cent rural population in India. 'There can be no bifurcation in formal and non-formal education', he added.
The Vice Chancellor exuded confidence about close cooperation between IGNOU and KU and said that the academia of the University will supplement its efforts in reaching out to wider segments of the society.
Vice Chancellor, IGNOU Prof B N Rajishekhran Pillai delivered the key note address while Director Distance Education, University of Kashmir, Professor Shafeeqa Parveen gave an overview of this department and achievements registered over the years.
Professor Punjabi presented a memento to the Governor.
Among the leading academicians, delegates, senior faculty and students, veteran academician Prof Rehman Rahi was also present in the inaugural session. |
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