CONTENTS Research in Action 4
INFOCUS: IGNOU’s Research and Teaching Assistantship (RTA) is a unique scheme to help the country meet its high-end research targets
Pan-Commonwealth Forum 8
SPOTLIGHT: IGNOU will host the Sixth Pan-Commonwealth Forum on Open Learning in Kochi in November with an aim to open up access to learning at every level via ODL system
BEST B-SCHOOLS......03 REGIONAL UPDATES ...15 ODLSOFT....................10 MILESTONES ..............16 NEWS UPDATES..........12 GYAN DARSHAN..........16
IGNOU OPEN LETTER is Printed by Printek Grafix, 148-D, Pocket-F, GTB Enclave, Delhi-110093 and Published by Ravi Mohan, Chief Public Relations Officer, Indira Gandhi National Open University, Maidan Garhi. New Delhi 110068. Ph: +91-11-29571000 (30 lines); +91-11-29535924-29 Fax: +91-11-29535933; E-mail: openletter@ignou.ac.in Managing Editor: Ravi Mohan Photos: Rajesh Sharma/Amlan Paliwal
FROMthe vice chancellor GNOU is heading for a paradigm shift in its research policy and research facilitation processes in the context of the global scenario of full-time research, part-time research and systemic research under the open university and distance education systems. IGNOU has contributed significantly to educational technology, systemic research in ODL, learning management systems, satellite education, and ICT-enabled teaching and learning. The technologies developed by IGNOU are in use the world over by ODL institutions. The IGNOU Act mandates research at all levels and the Research Council has been created as an Authority of IGNOU under Section 16 of the Act. Ordinances for research degrees like M.Phil and Ph.D. are also in place. The University has a research project scheme. Paid research study leave, in addition to the sabbatical leave scheme, are available to teachers and academics. Participation in national and international research conferences is facilitated by travel grants. Research schemes from funding agencies are systematically availed by faculty. A new scheme, the first of its kind in the country – the Research and Teaching Assistantship (RTA) – was introduced two years ago where full-time research in a domain area, along with development of teaching modules and teaching assistance activities, are taken up by young researchers under the supervision of a senior faculty member. About 800 teachers and academics with Ph.D. and higher-level research qualifications are working in the University. An exclusive Research Unit was created in the University recently to coordinate all these research activities. Research programmes of Open Universities are recognised throughout the world. The UK Open University, for example, supports a broad and vibrant research and enterprise portfolio and fosters research teams able to compete with the best in the world. Over 1,000 research students are currently working with the British Open University, in addition to several hundreds around the globe linked to UKOU through its Affiliated Research Centre (ARC) Programme. ARCs are organisations with which UKOU has entered into agreements to register students. They are higher education institutions or commercial or public sector research organisations with state-of-the-art infrastructural facilities and a large pool of highly qualified research scientists. Some of these are: the UK Architectural Association, the School of Architecture, the British Antarctic Survey, the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Defence Science Technologies Laboratories, the Institute of Pharmacological Research, and the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology. ARCs are in addition to UKOU’s own research laboratories/centres in the various faculties at its main Walton Hall Campus in Milton Keynes. The results of UK’s latest Research Assessment Exercise placed UKOU in the top 50 higher education institutions, according to the Times Higher Education Table of Excellence. More than 50 percent of the UKOU’s research is rated “internationally excellent” and 14 percent is rated as “world leading”. Other leading Open Universities also have very strong research programmes. IGNOU, with its 800-strong research-trained faculty, over 100 full-time RTAs and more than 400 registered Ph.D. scholars, has great research potential. Collaboration and networking with various national and international research institutes is the key to accomplishing research goals. Training an optimum number of post-graduates in subjectspecific domain areas and giving them opportunity for full-time research leading to Ph.D. degrees and post-doctoral awards need to be a focussed activity of this large talent pool of academics. The collaboration of IGNOU with the Harichandra Institute of Mathematics (under the Department of Atomic Energy), Indian Institute of Astrophysics (Department of S&T), Madhya Pradesh Council of Science and Technology, Institute of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, International Institute of Informational Technology, Madras Institute of Developmental Studies, and the Indian Institute of Economic Growth, for post-graduate education and research is in line with the global trends of open universities strengthening research by effective utilisation of infrastructural facilities and intellectual capabilities. The Ph.D. programme of IGNOU follows international norms of quality and standards. Successful completion of course work, publication of at least one original research publication in a peer-reviewed journal, pre-registration and pre-submission seminars by candidates and open defence of the thesis are now mandatory for the award of Ph.D. degrees. Considering the global trend of research in open universities, it is imperative that our open universities and distance education institutes develop a clear Code of Good Practice in respect of the management, quality and academic standards of research programmes. Peer review, publication in refereed journals, analysis of impact factor of original research publications – all these should be in such a code. This issue of OpenLetter features the recent research initiatives of IGNOU.
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Advisory Council: Prof P.R. Ramanujam, Dr Latha Pillai Design and Production: IANS Publishing www.ianspublishing.com
2 IGNOU OPEN LETTER | AUGUST 15, 2010
V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai
INTOPranks
IGNOU enters India’s Best B-Schools listing n OpenLetter July issue, we carried a story on Careers in Management and how IGNOU's management programmes are providing managerial skills not only to the top-end MBA students via Face-to-Face mode but also to learners via Open and Distance Learning (ODL) System. Now the fact is being acknowledged by the world. In an annual survey by Businessworld, a reputed business weekly, IGNOU has become the only Open University to be part of the prestigious ‘India’s Best B-Schools’ list — a listing of the country’s crème de la crème in the
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field of management education. The world’s largest University came 40th in the overall ranking in the survey of India’s best 50 business schools. The University offers a slew of Programmes in management and commerce streams through School of Management Studies (SOMS) in the ODL mode. Some of the programmes are Master of Business Administration (MBA); Master of Business Administration (Banking & Finance); Master of Commerce in Finance & Taxation (MCom, F&T) and PG Diploma in International Business Operation.■
Prof Anurag Saxena, SOMS, with Dr Silima Nanda, Director (I/c), International Division, during an interactive session with MBA learners of Pan-Africa e-Network.
Dr Ananthamurthy appointed Tagore Chair enowned Kannada writer and critic Dr U.R. Ananthamurthy has been appointed the Honorary Chair of ‘Tagore Chair in Indian Literature’ at IGNOU. The Tagore Chair, located in the School of Humanities, has been established to organise symposia, seminars and undertake research studies on Indian literature. The activities of the Chair include the editing of a bilingual (English and Hindi) Journal on Literature, Language and Culture Studies. “I feel deeply honoured and excited. The Tagore Chair will give me an opportunity to do a lot of meaningful work in the area of Indian languages and literature. Through the new responsibility, I want to work towards Rabindranath Tagore’s vision of empowering Indian languages, especially regional languages,” said Dr Ananthamurthy, who is known in India for his social commitment and as an important representative of the ‘Navya’ movement (the new movement) in Kannada literature. Born in 1932 in Melige village in Karnataka, Dr Ananthamur thy star ted his education in a traditional Sanskrit school in Door vasapura and later studied English and Comparative Literature in the cities of Mysore (India) and Birmingham (England). He was a professor of English
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Satchidanandan is SOTST Director
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minent Malayalam writer K. Satchidanandan has taken over as Director, School of Translation Studies and Training (SOTST) at IGNOU. Satchidanandan was one of the pioneers of modern poetry in Malayalam and is well known for the subtle and nuanced articulations of socio-political contexts K. Satchidanandan in his poetry. He has 22 collections of poetry, 16 collections of translations of poetry and 19 collections of essays on literature, language and society to his credit. Renowned writer Dr U.R. Ananthamurthy.
Literature for several years at Mysore University, later Vice Chancellor of the Mahatma Gandhi University in Kottayam, Chairman of the National Book Trust and President of the Sahitya Akademi in Delhi. At present, he is serving as the second-time chairman of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune. Dr Ananthamur thy began his literar y career in 1955 with the stor y volume Endendhigu Mugiyada Kathe. Since then, he has published five novels, one play, six shor t stor y volumes, four
poetr y volumes (including translation of Tao, Yeats and Rilke and Brecht) and 10 essay volumes in Kannada and several pieces on English literature. His works have been translated into several Indian and European languages and have been awarded with significant literary prizes, including the Jnanpeeth Award (1994). He was honoured by the Government of India with the Padma Bhushan in 1998. His most significant works include Samskara, Bhava, Bharathi Pura and Avasthe.■
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THE TEAM: Dr V. Venugopal Reddy (centre), Director, Research Unit, with his team at the Convention Centre, IGNOU Headquarters.
Research in Action InFocus IGNOU’s Research and Teaching Assistantship (RTA) is a unique scheme to help the country meet its high-end research targets
andhya Chopra, 26, is pursuing Ph.D. in Public Administration under the School of Social Sciences (SOSS). Her core area of research is Disaster Management. Through Gyan Darshan and Gyan Vani, she has participated in several tele-conferences where she has communicated directly with learners across the country on how to prevent or mitigate disasters like floods, earthquakes and forest fires. “IGNOU has provided students a wide platform to establish themselves in dual role — of a researcher and a teacher — while pursuing higher education. As a Research and Teaching Assistant (RTA), I’m not only involved with full-time research but also spend a considerable
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time teaching on the campus— it is like being part of a holistic and comprehensive higher education stream in an ODL system,” says Chopra, before rushing to attend a practical demonstration on fire safety management on the campus.
Road to Academic Excellence Assisting faculty, revising the courseware, proofreading the course work, publishing research papers, giving presentations, attending seminars and conferences... the list is endless, but what you get at the end of the day is purely rewarding in terms of academic excellence. This is what over 400 RTAs enrolled in discipline-based research at IGNOU aim at.
On campus, 98 RTAs are enrolled in full-time Ph.D. Programmes; out of them, 91 learners have earned fellowships. There are 36 M.Phil “I’m not only students, while 278 involved with full-time research are part-time Ph.D. but also spend a students. “While considerable time higher education teaching on the establishments and campus — it is government focus like being part of on Ph.D. a holistic higher programmes, there education is also great system.” concern and — Sandhya Chopra, apprehension about RTA, SOSS the poor quality of M.Phil and Ph.D. programmes offered in large numbers by some institutions, which misuse the autonomy and concept of distance education,” says Vice Chancellor Professor V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai. “Strict enforcement of quality criteria, following international benchmarks in research, is the only way to curb these undesirable practices. Quality research of high impact happening in renowned open university and distance education systems
Publications by RTAs l Shivdatta Wavalkar. (2010), ‘Upanyaskar l
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Vinodkumar Shukla’ (in Hindi), Kanpur (U.P), Vidhya Prakashan, ISBN:81-88554-57-X Dhanyasree V.K. (2008) ‘Social Network Sites in Online Learning-Supporting Features: A Case Study of Orkut,’ in ‘Library Profession in Search of a New Paradigm’ (pp. 785-787) selected papers published by the Indian Association of Special Libraries and Information Centres, India. ISSN: 09723668 Nidhi Chopra. (2010), ‘Education Stress Syndrome,’ Science Reporter, Vol. 47, No. 3. ISSN 0036-8512. Syed Hayath Basha. (2010), ‘Systematic Development in Open and Distance Learning through Programme Evaluation,’ University News, Vol. 48, No. 26. ISSN:0566-2257. Kiran. (2009), ‘Teachers in 21st Century: Redefining Objectives and Process of Teacher Education’ in selected papers published by All India Association Educational Research (AIAER) and Khalsa College of Education, Amritsar, pp.19-24. Beauty Gogoi. (2010), ‘Intervention Programme to Combat Malnutrition’ in Malnutrition: issues and concern, selected papers published by Narotom Sekhsaria Foundation, Mumbai, India.
l Sony Kuriakose, M.S. Senam Raju and N.V. Narasimham. (2009), ‘Voluntary Amalgamations in Indian Banking: Valuation Practices and Adequacy of Swap Ratios’ Indian Journal of Commerce. Vol.62, No.3, pp. 32-44. ISSN: 0019-512X. l Libison K.B. and N.V. Narasimham. (2010) ‘Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) from Tourism Industry in India: An Analysis of Short- run Secondary Market Performance,’ in Raya Madgerova (Ed.), Economics, Management and Tourism (pp. 31-42) selected papers published by South West University of ‘Neofit Rilski’, Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria. ISBN: 978-954-300-104-0.
List of RRCs l Sri Aurobindo Centre for Advanced Research Trust (SACAR), 39, Vanniar Street Vaithikuppam, Pondicherry — 605012 l Institute for Research in Social Sciences and Humanities (IRISH), Nirmalagiri, PO, Kannur Dist., Kerala — 670 701 l Rajagiri College of Social Science, PO, Kalamassery, Kochi, Kerala — 683 104 l CSI Centre of Educational Research and Development, Pasumalai, Madurai — 625 004 l National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Indian Institute of Science Campus, Bangalore — 560012 l Model Institute of Education & Research (MIER), B.C. Road, Jammu — 180001 l Gujarat Institute of Development Research (GIDR), Ahmedabad l Mount Carmel College (MC), Bangalore l J.J. College, Tiruchirappalli l DAV College, Dehradun l Jyoti Niwas College, Bangalore
should be supported and encouraged to set national benchmarks in this area. Achieving high levels of research performance in discipline-based research is the target of IGNOU in this ‘Decade of Innovation’, adds Prof Pillai. “The RTA Scheme is for highly meritorious full-time postgraduates. The University follows a rigorous selection process. Once the initial screening is done by the faculty of the Discipline, eligible candidates are invited for Ph.D. proposal presentations (Category ‘A’), entrance test and personal interview (Category ‘B’). However, qualified UGC/CSIR candidates are exempted from writing the entrance test,” informs Dr V. Venugopal Reddy, Director, Research Unit. Based on the qualifications, experience and research proposal, the applications are shortlisted by the Discipline. The selected candidates are then called for an interview with the Doctoral Committee of Discipline, which recommends whether the candidate should undertake the course work or not. All selected candidates are placed before the School Board allotting Ph.D. topics. The Board approves research supervisors specifying categories (A or B) subsequently before the Research Council. Many open universities in the world, like
IGNOU OPEN LETTER | AUGUST 15, 2010 5
NECRD, A
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“I have understood the mechanism of ODL and how this system helps students like me achieve their goals. I find the Ph.D. course work here at par with any reputed conventional university.”
Dr Anil Ch. Borah, Deputy Director, NECRD.
he North East Centre for Research and Development (NECRD) in Guwahati was conceived and operationalised to be a think-tank dedicated to the North-East. It instituted the Research and Teaching Assistant (RTA) scheme for research scholars from or outside the region working on NorthEast related themes to pursue Ph.D. programme under the auspices of the University. “The objective of the scheme is to attract the best talents into teaching– cum-research in the areas of Open and
— Libison K.B., RTA, SOMS
the UK Open University, the Open University of Netherlands and Hong Kong Open University support extensive doctoral and post-doctoral research. “IGNOU is proud of the fact that its systemic research feeds directly into the content of its world-leading teaching programmes,” says the Vice Chancellor. “Research is a process of systematic collection, investigation and analysis of information to increase a research scholar’s understanding of the study which he or she has undertaken with specific objectives. In this context, it is the responsibility of the researcher to commit himself/herself to the study undertaken. Researchers need to put sincere efforts and hard work with the support of their guides to come out with innovative ideas which could be of great use for the community-at-large,” says Dr Reddy.
“The University is committed to utilise its large pool of academics with extensive research experience to train young researchers, in both systemic as well as discipline-based research of the highest quality,” adds Prof Pillai.
Recognised Research Centres In this direction, IGNOU has already identified the institutes offering higher learning programmes for conduct of Research Degree Programmes of their choice, subject to availability of infrastructure (building, labs and libraries, etc.), qualified research supervisors and ability
to conduct research in their institutes. “Any institution which intends to conduct research can submit an application form prescribed by the University. An Expert Committee consisting of subject experts is deputed to the institute to assess the availability of infrastructure, academic resources and related matters. Recommendations of the Expert Committee are placed before the Research Council. On approval of the Research Council, the institute is notified
“I go to Delhi University for lab work. Owing to IGNOU, I have got this opportunity which I could not have had got anywhere.” — G. Lakshmi, RTA, SOS
Vice Chancellor Prof V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai with Research Unit Director Dr V. Venugopal Reddy in the exhibition area of the Convocation Ceremony
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TORCHBEARER IN RTA DRIVE Distance Learning/Teaching and Research in discipline–based as well as general Open and Distance Learning pedagogy,” says Dr Sujata Dutta Hazarika, Deputy Director, NECRD. “NECRD-IGNOU organised its first RTA Meet in May this year to update the Centre about the status of Ph.Ds currently running under the RTA scheme. The meet also aimed at capacity building of the researchers through a lecture series from experts. “We discussed and informed the RTAs about the current status of research in the
North-East region. One should conduct his/her research in such a manner so that the cost-benefit issue will be maximised. Dissemination of research is needed hence publication is mandatory,” adds Dr Hazarika. “If ethics and accountability are followed in the research output, then only a quality research work based on scientific temperament can be produced,” says Dr Anil Ch. Borah, Deputy Director, NECRD. Take the case of Beauty Gogoi. She completed her PhD from School of Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary
as a “Recognised Research Centre” (RRC),” informs Dr Reddy.
Opportunities Galore Libison K.B., 27, pursuing his Ph.D. in Commerce under the School of Management Studies (SOMS), is happy to be here. His research area is ‘Initial Public Offerings and Investors’ Behaviour’. “I have now understood the mechanism of ODL and how this system helps students like me achieve their goals. At SOMS, I have full support from the faculty towards my research.” “I have presented four research papers and several papers have already been published in various reputed journals, all thanks to the support from my research supervisor... I find the Ph.D. course work
Studies (SOITS). Her area of research was ‘Role of Man Tai Women in Transition: A study of A Aitorian village in Karbi Anglong district, Assam.’ “I taught students of M.A. Programme in Labour Development at SOITS. Under the duel Ph.D. scheme, I was selected for the Ph.D. Programme in Queensland University, Australia and I must thank IGNOU for this,” says Gogoi. NECRD also sponsors major and minor research project to academician, research scholars and organisations of the NorthEastern Region.
here at par with any reputed conventional university,” Libison adds. G. Lakshmi, 29, shares a similar story. A Ph.D. student of Life Sciences at the School of Sciences (SOS), her research area is ‘Metagenomics’. “IGNOU’s collaboration with other universities in the area of research has been a boon to us. I have learned new techniques. The course work is prepared in a very simplified manner,” says Lakshmi, who has attended several training programmes pertaining to her study area. From Arabic language to Economics, from Biotechnology to Public Administration, IGNOU researchers are not only writing new chapters in the ODL world but also charting a new route in higher education like never before.■
Dr Sujata Dutta Hazarika, Deputy Director, NECRD.
From heritage walks to books l Kanika Singh (RTA in History) Her topic of study is representation of heritage in museums. She is an active participant in heritage activities organised in New Delhi. She is a team member of a group called ‘Delhi Heritage Walks’ which leads heritage walks to lesser known areas in the city. She was panel member at a discussion on ‘Experiencing Delhi’ at Ramjas College, Delhi University in February 2010, where she spoke on history of conservation practices in Delhi. l Dhanyasree ( RTA in Library and Information Sciences). She has done content checking and editing for IGNOU’s online MLIS programme: Library and Information Virtual Education (LIVE). She has also undertaken content checking and editing of different modules of the web enhanced training programme titled ‘Digitisation and Digital Library,’ funded by TIFP, DSIR and Ministry of Science and Technology. This is a Pilot project to deliver online and CD-based training programme on digitisation and digital libraries, involving multimedia-based self-learning material with synchronous and asynchronous online interactive environment.
on March 15, 2010. (Photo right), Research Unit staff at the stall.
IGNOU OPEN LETTER | AUGUST 15, 2010 7
PCF6Kochi
From left, Prof P.R. Ramanujam, Pro-VC and Programme Chair, PCF6; VC Prof Pillai; COL President Sir John Daniel; economist M.S. Swaminathan; Prof A. Kalyani, VC, Tamil Nadu Open University and Pro-VC Dr Latha Pillai at the launch of PCF6 at IGNOU Headquarters.
‘Access to learning at every level’ or the first time, a leading international conference on open learning and development — the biennial Pan-Commonwealth Forum (PCF) on Open Learning, an initiative by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) — will be held in India this November. With the aim of exploring the contribution of Open and Distance Learning to international development goals by opening up access to learning at every level, PCF6, jointly organised by COL and IGNOU, will be held at the Le Meridien Hotel in Kochi, Kerala, from November 24 to 28, 2010. Renowned agricultural scientist Prof M.S. Swaminathan, father of the Green Revolution in India, is the Honorary Chair. Sir John Daniel, COL President, and Prof V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice Chancellor, IGNOU, are the Co-Chairs. Coinciding with the completion of IGNOU’s Silver Jubilee Year, PCF6 aims to consider what ODL has done and still can do in terms of success, informed Prof P.R. Ramanujam, Pro Vice Chancellor and Programme Chair, PCF6. The overall theme of PCF6, titled Access and Success in Learning: Global Development Perspectives, will focus on four key areas — Social Justice, Community Development, Skills Development and Formal Education. “The Forum brings together practitioners, researchers, planners and policymakers in the fields of Open and
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Distance Learning and development from over 70 countries,” said Prof Ramanujam. Over 800 delegates are expected to take part in PCF6. “It provides opportunities to share experience and expertise and to contribute to future policy and provision. Participants will represent the Commonwealth, international institutions, including UNESCO, and agencies active in the field, such as funding bodies and technology providers,” he added. The objective of PCF6 is to provide an accessible forum for all member nations of the Commonwealth who are committed to increasing access to and flexibility in initial and lifelong quality learning through ODL, said VC Prof Pillai. Among the keynote speakers are: Sir John; Prof Badri N. Koul, former Pro-VC, IGNOU; Steve Maharey, VC, Massey University, New Zealand; and Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Anuwar Ali, Vice Chancellor and President of the Open University, Malaysia. Former Union Minister Dr Shashi Tharoor will deliver the prestigious ‘Asa Briggs Lecture’. For registration, kindly contact: Prof P.R. Ramanujam, Programme Chair, PCF6, The Sixth Pan- Commonwealth Forum (PCF6), IGNOU Maidan Garhi, New Delhi110068. Phone number: (011) 29572606. E-mail: programmechair@pcf6.net. Website: http://www.pcf6.net.■
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KEYNOTESPEAKERS Dr shashi tharoor former union minister Dr shashi tharoor will deliver the prestigious ‘asa Briggs lecture’ at PCf6.
hon’BlE stEVE maharEy Vice Chancellor of massey university, new Zealand, maharey will deliver a lecture on the theme titled ‘formal Education’ at PCf6.
Prof BaDri n. Koul former iGnou Pro-VC, Prof Koul will deliver a speech on ‘skills Development.’
Prof EmEritus tan sri anuwar ali Vice Chancellor and President of the open university, malaysia, ali will speak on the theme titled ‘Community Development.’
SOAconfEREncE 2010
Thrust on agriculture, rural education eeping in view the need to make the agricultural sector more efficient in terms of planning and delivery as well as churn out professional workers and stakeholders in the same, IGNOU’s School of Agriculture (SOA) is organising a three-day International Conference titled ‘Agriculture Education and Knowledge Management.’ Organised in collaboration with the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Washington, the conference is scheduled to be held at IGNOU Centre for ODL in Research and Training in Agriculture (ICRTA) in Agar tala from August 24-26, 2010. The conference will primarily focus on sharing experiences on the challenges faced by agriculture educational system in managing indigenous knowledge as well as knowledge generated by research and educational institutes for innovative agriculture. The main objectives of the conference are to discuss various approaches and models of agricultural education for strengthening capacity of professionals, researchers and educators; to discuss the role of effective knowledge management systems for socio-economic development of agricultural sector; to identify suitable pedagogic approaches and curriculum to educate farmers, upgrade their technical and entrepreneurial knowledge and analytical skills; and to develop knowledge management strategies through cost-effective and efficient approaches, public-private-NGO partnerships, business models and delivery mechanisms. “There is an urgent need to expose
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The international conference on Agriculture Education and Knowledge Management aims to make agricultural activities more efficient in terms of planning and delivery.
MAJOR THEMES l assessment of educational needs and human resource development of the agriculture sector l approaches, case studies, concepts and methodologies as applicable in agriculture education and knowledge management l open and Distance learning for continuing education for professionals engaged in agri-
farmers to the latest knowledge and advances in agriculture. It is important that new knowledge is first created, then managed in combination with indigenous knowledge and finally shared by stakeholders on the food and agriculture value chain. We are confident that the conference will go a long way in evolving integrated strategies to achieve food security and sustainable agriculture
industry, research and extension activities l Knowledge access, concepts, creation, applications and services to agricultural community and their organisations l Participation of the private sector, farmers’ organisations and nGos in educating farmers l Effective pedagogical methods for agriculture education
development, particularly in the NorthEast,” said Prof B.S. Hansra of SOA. The conference will commence with an inauguration function and addresses by Manik Sarkar, Chief Minister of Tripura and Chief Guest at the function, Vice Chancellor Prof V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai, and Dr Kwadwo Asenso-Okyere, Director, Knowledge, Capacity, and Innovation Division (KCID), IFPRI.■
Action plan to scale up teachers’ training n order to ensure the active participation of all Universities in training, re- training and continuous capacity-building of teachers, the Higher Education Department of the Ministry of Human Resource Development has constituted a Core Committee of Vice Chancellors to evolve effective and unconventional strategies for scaling up teacher training, Vice Chancellor Prof V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai said recently.
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“In the context of the Right to Education Act, a time-bound action plan is being formulated jointly by the National Council of Teacher Education (NCTE), IGNOU and State Education Departments to achieve these targets,” he added. IGNOU has set up five Institutes of Competency Advancement of Teachers (ICAT) in five geographic regions of the country where the technology-enhanced
distance learning and Open University practices are being adopted. “Delivery of programmes via ODL mode can alleviate shortages by making teacher trainees available earlier for service in the classrooms. Facilitation of teachingintegrated learning for working teachers, by way of self-help faculty improvement modules, can also be achieved by ODL strategies,” Prof Pillai added.■
IGNOU OPEN LETTER | AUGUST 15, 2010 9
ODLSoft
Log into ODLSoft for ERP solutions ODLSoft Facilities Wg. Cdr. (Retd.) Arun Verma, Joint Director, (ERP), and his team are in touch with the implementation partner TCS in achieving the following functionalities: l l l l
Computer Division staff examining a unit in the server room.
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Accounting & Finance to cater to the GNOU has taken a step towards requirements of its headquarters, thus modernising its management practice making IGNOU one of the few and IT infrastructure by non-IT organisations to achieve adopting an Enterprise this feat. Resource Planning (ERP) “Being the largest software — ODLSoft. University in the world, IGNOU The idea behind the new is confronted with managing a automated ERP is to boost wide range of activities. Thus, efficiency in IGNOU by it goes without saying that enhancing the institutional “IGNOU IGNOU deserves the best in performance. Financial terms of modern management resources are limited; the only deserves practice and state-of-the-art way to improve is by the use modern technology for managing its of technology. management internal and external IGNOU took the initiative operations,” said Dr V.S.P. to integrate all its business practice and processes in back-office state-of-the-art Srivastav, Head, Computer Division, IGNOU. automation by way of technology for Complete employee lifeimplementing ERP. The University has decentralised managing its cycle from recruitment to retirement or separation is account disbursing system for internal and available to all IGNOU all Schools of Studies and external employees in New Delhi. service Divisions at its operations.” Various benefits like leaves, headquarters. — Dr V.S.P. Srivastav, LTA, medical claims, loans and “It was desired that there Head, Computer Division advances can be availed should be an innovatively online. The software has also designed system to make all the enabled online budget preparation and accounting activities and human resources automatic generation of financial data operable through a single, central and statements (balance sheet, income & integrated database to capture all day-to-day expenditure and schedules). transactions and reconcile the same The ERP implementation had two periodically and regularly,” says Wg. Cdr. phases. While Phase I included (Retd.) Arun Verma, Joint Director (ERP). automation of back office processes like The ERP, ‘PeopleSoft version 9.0,’ HR, Administration, Purchase and meets the twin objectives of achieving a Accounting, Phase II undertook processes foolproof, paperless and transparent like student registration, evaluation, administration at the operational, tactical student administration and specialised and strategic levels. It enables automation processes of operating divisions like EMPC, of IGNOU’s back-office processes like RSD and SRE.n Human Resources, Payroll, Purchasing,
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Generation of Final Statement of Accounts based on all accounting entries of the university Recording and tracking of Budget and Revised Estimates against actual expenditure Recording and accounting of all valuables Investment details and online calculation of interest and interest accrued Recording of all contingent bills pertaining to different vendors and managing their payment Managing and maintaining complete details of all fixed assets of the university Issuing, Tracking and Payment of all Employee related claims pertaining to travel Handling complete procurement cycle, from requisition till receiving of materials Issuing and managing all service requests pertaining to maintenance, additional work, etc. Maintenance of the cost of projects and its timelines with resources and assets Maintaining Personal & Job information of employee and subsequent job actions (like transfer, deputation, retirement, etc.) Online request submission for Housing, Transport, Conference Room Booking Online request submission for Leave & Approval process Payroll generation with details of earning & deductions Online request submission for LTC, Claims & approval process Board of Management, Parliament questions & Dispatch//Receiving of files/papers/AKS Online request for Medical reimbursement Complete online recruitment process & screening Schedule and track training courses, handle enrollments for available course session and maintain list of trainings conducted Issue of Course material from the central store (Material Production and Distribution Division — MPDD) to students, faculty, staff, etc. and receipt of printed study material from various printers Cross checking Degree/Diploma/ Certificates/Grade Card/Marks Sheet as and when required from the digitised and integrated storage using Documentum software Maintaining consistent live data with proper security provisioning
NEWSupdateS
‘People’s Movement’ to conserve wetlands onserving wetlands should assume the role of a ‘People’s Movement’, so that people can lead more fuller lives, said Minister of State for Environment & Forests Jairam Ramesh, while launching IGNOU’s ‘Appreciation Programme on Sustainable Management of Wetlands’ in New Delhi on July 22. The programme has been developed by IGNOU’s Chair for Sustainable Development (CSD), headed by eminent agricultural scientist Prof M.S. Swaminathan. “Most wetlands in the country are being devoured due to more highways, sewage and dumping grounds. The Ministry of Environment and Forests has uploaded the Draft guidelines for protection of wetlands on its website. These regulations will be notified in the next two-three months. The Ministry is also in the process of mapping all wetlands in the country and there are plans to open a University on Environment and Sustainability in the near future,” Ramesh said. The programme, to be delivered in online mode, provides awareness about the importance of wetlands, why they are disappearing, restoration efforts and
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From left, Prof M.S. Swaminathan, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh and Vice Chancellor Prof V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai at the launch of ‘Appreciation Programme on Sustainable Management of Wetlands’ in New Delhi on July 22.
sustainable management. The programme is open to graduates from any discipline. It can be completed in a minimum period of one month and a maximum of six months. “What is needed to conserve the environment is education, social motivation and regulation. Regulation alone will not do the job. In this context, the Chair is working on the launch of a new programme on the Biodiversity of the Ganges. We shall soon be launching a PG Programme in Sustainability Science,”
Prof Swaminathan added. According to Vice Chancellor Professor V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai, “CSD has emerged as a model for all the Universities in the country. There is an urgent need to link education with development and we were the first Indian University to start sustainability science as a discipline.” The ceremony was held at the Electronic Media Production Centre’s Studio-II and was telecast live to all the Regional Centres.n
Community Colleges need a greater push: Kiran Bedi he Community College movement needs to grow in order to ensure that India is not overwhelmed by unemployable youth in the next three years,” said Dr Kiran Bedi, former IPS officer and Founder General Secretary, Navjyoti India Foundation. She was delivering a lecture titled ‘Community Colleges — the Answer for Present and Future: The Experience of Navjyoti India Foundation,’ organised by IGNOU on July 27. While drawing attention to the fact that the movement of Community Colleges has crossed the 400 mark, Dr Bedi called for an active and priority-based involvement of the Government, the Industry and the Panchayati Raj institutions. Vice Chancellor Prof V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai, Pro-VC Dr Latha Pillai, Dr C.K. Ghosh, Nodal Officer, Community College Unit (CCU) and functionaries and students of Navjyoti were present at the lecture that
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was telecast live via Edusat. Speaking about the community development work being done by Navjyoti India Foundation and its march towards becoming an IGNOU Community College, Dr Bedi remarked, “We started as a ‘Galli’ From left, Dr Kiran Bedi, CCU Nodal Officer Dr C.K. Ghosh and school and have grown Pro-VC Dr Latha Pillai at the lecture. into a Community a ‘People’s Movement,’ where we let the college. IGNOU has given us four community decide what it wants in terms Community Colleges and that too in a very of programmes of study and timing of short time-frame.” classes.” Calling Community Colleges a ‘People’s Dr Bedi added that “Community Movement,’ Prof Pillai said that “We have colleges must take up adult literacy as set up 442 Community Colleges within one a mandate. We must make this a year of launching the scheme. Thousands priority area in all IGNOU Community of applications for establishment of more Colleges.”n Community Colleges are still pending. It is
IGNOU OPEN LETTER | AUGUST 15, 2010 11
NEWSupdates
Lucrative offers for hospitality learners ajkumar Namdeo, a learner of IGNOU’s Certificate Programme in Food and Beverages Service Operation, is a happy man. A Class XII pass-out from Shahdol district in Madhya Pradesh, he got enrolled in the six-month Programme this January. Today, he has bagged an entry-level job at the prestigious Sayaji Hotel, a three-star facility in Indore. “I resumed my confidence level after going through the extensive theory and practical sessions during the Programme. IGNOU has designed a state-of-the-art, market-oriented courseware that has helped me get my first job at the city’s best hotel,” says Namdeo. In all, 17 students of Certificate
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Sujit Desai, Head (Learning and Management), Sayaji Hotel, at a hospitality training session with 17 IGNOU learners in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
workshop for these learners from August 2August 9. We are open to recruiting youngsters —Rajkumar Namdeo, who have completed Student Certificate Programmes as long as they are able to pass the psychometric test that Sayaji conducts,” adds Desai. IGNOU Certificate Programmes are run in collaboration with the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (MPTDC). The University is in talks with the tourism boards of three states — Assam, Jammu and Kashmir and Sikkim — to begin similar Programmes there. The Programme comprises theory classes followed by practical training at
“IGNOU has designed a market-oriented courseware that has helped me get my first job at the city’s best hotel.”
Programme in the tourism and hospitality sector being run by IGNOU’s Bhopal Regional Centre have got entry-level jobs and training opportunities at Sayaji Hotel. According to Sujit Desai, Sayaji Head (Learning and Management), “As part of their placement drive, these IGNOU learners will undergo a six-month training period before they get appointed at different posts in the food and beverages department.” “We conducted a week-long training
MPSTDC-run hotels and resorts. According to Dr Harkirat Bains, Director, School of Tourism and Hospitality Services Management, most of the learners have either got jobs or have set up their own businesses. “To begin with, we assist students in attaining a basic knowledge of English — the foremost requirement in this sector. Then the core training begins,” Dr Bains adds. B.M. Namdeo, chief general manager, MP State Tourism Development Corporation (MPSTDC) Ltd., says that “in the next few years, the Indian tourism industry will require at least 20 lakh trained professionals. In IGNOU courses, even higher-secondary pass students can get enrolled and benefit.”■
92 teams at IGNOU inter-school quiz in Bengaluru total of 92 teams, of two members each, participated in the multi-city inter-school general quiz contest, ‘IGNITE 2010,’ hosted by IGNOU in Bengaluru on August 10. Sri Kumaran’s Children Home (SKCH) team, comprising Milind Hegde and Vikas Kashyap, bagged the winner’s trophy and individual trophies. Aditya Hebber and Shishir Bhardwaj, also from SKCH, were the runners up and received individual trophies and book vouchers. The competition was held at Yavanika, to create greater awareness about IGNOU and its courses, which have a potential to benefit millions of young Indians.
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VC Prof V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai and Pro-VC Dr Latha Pillai meet the participants of IGNITE 2010 in Bengaluru.
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Vice Chancellor Prof V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai presented the prizes to the winners. Dr Latha Pillai, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Dr B.S. Sudhindra, Regional Director, Bengaluru, were also present at the occasion. The third spot was shared by two teams — Anurup A.K. and Nanjundeshwara N. of Deeksha Centre for Learning, and Arun S. and Ameya M. Talanki of Christ Junior College. Prithvi Hegde and P.V.S.S. Raju of National Hillview Public School came fourth, while Vivek Aithal K.R. and K. Krishna Chaitanya of Deeksha Centre for Learning bagged the fifth spot.n
NEWSupdates
NEWSscan Ramnath Goenka award iddharth Varadarajan, Delhi Bureau Chief of The Hindu and a dynamic member of the School Board of IGNOU’s School of Journalism and New Media Studies (SOJNMS), has received the prestigious ‘Ramnath Goenka Journalist of the Year Award.’ Varadarajan’s articles on the Indo-U.S. nuclear deal became standardised source material for those who wanted an assessment of the claims and counter-claims being made by the supporters and its critics. The entire IGNOU family congratulates him on his golden accomplishment.
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Dr Mallika Sarabhai delivering the Silver Jubilee lecture at IGNOU Headquarters in New Delhi.
Let art bridge the gap: Sarabhai endeavors to reach ‘people who can do ole of Arts in society is not just something to make the excluded the the icing on the cake, but on yeast, included.’ said dancer-politician Dr Mallika The talk also explored the ways in Sarabhai while delivering the Silver Jubilee which arts can become a potent language lecture, titled ‘Bringing Them into the for empowerment — to break down walls Fold: Using the Arts to Bridge the Gap’ at of prejudice and become an agent of the Indira Gandhi National Open University social change. Dr Sarabhai gave several headquarters in New Delhi on July 29. examples of how she has achieved this “Sixty-two years after independence, aim at her dance academy injustice and gaps still exist in Darpana, through plays for our society, in fact, these gaps “There is a need the underprivileged, TV have broadened. We now need to bring the rich programmes talking about different solutions. Art forms a and powerful empowerment of women and crucial part of these solutions. back into the communications targeting What’s required is that art fold, as they school children. Established by forms be integrated into the have given up her parents Mrinalini and society,” she said. on the country Vikram Sarabhai in 1949, Delivering his presidential and retreated Darpana uses dance and the address, Vice Chancellor, Prof into their arts for social change. V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai said, ivory towers.” Talking about the ‘other,’ “IGNOU is in its Silver Jubilee Dr Sarabhai remarked that it year, with over 30 lakh is the rich and the privileged who are the students on roll. The theme of ‘other’ in the society today and there democratisation of education that IGNOU is an urgent need to get them back into follows is synchronous with the theme of the mainstream. this lecture series — ‘Inclusion of the “There is a need to bring the rich and Excluded’. The lecture will be an eye power ful back into the fold, as they have opener for all practitioners of Art.” given up on the countr y and retreated Through her lecture, Dr Sarabhai into their ivor y towers. In fact, there is argued that art is the most powerful way no segment of the society that does not to bring about change, whether political, need sensitisation. IGNOU and Darpana social or personal. Speaking about her have the blueprint for transforming the encounters of using art for things which society,” Dr Sarabhai added.■ are ‘not art,’ she focused on her
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factoids
Urban Governance GNOU has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the All India Institute of Local Self Government (AIILSG), Mumbai, for launching a flagship Post-Graduate Diploma Programme in Urban Governance (PGDUG). PGDUG, being conducted by the faculty of Public Administration discipline, School of Social Sciences, is open to graduates from different disciplines. For more details, please visit www.ignou.ac.in
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B.Ed admission relaxed ndira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has announced major relaxation in B.Ed admission. Prof Pushplata Tripathi, Registrar, Student Evaluation Division, said that the requisite eligibility percentage for B.Ed Programme 2011 has been revised to 50 percent marks instead of 55 percent in Bachelor’s or Higher Degree from a recognised University. For details, kindly visit www.ignou.ac.in
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IGNOU will soon launch B.A. programmes in Lab Technology, Medical Radiology and Medical Records Science and Health Technology in Cooperative Medical College, Kochi. IGNOU OPEN LETTER | AUGUST 15, 2010 13
I-DAYcelebrations
IGNOU celebrates India’s 64th I-Day wave of freedom swept across the IGNOU Headquarters in New Delhi as VC Prof V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai unfurled the National Flag to mark India’s 64th Independence Day on August 15. The celebrations were marked by cultural performances, dance programmes by students from IGNOU creche and a play by learners.n
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(Clockwise from top) Students performing a play at the IGNOU grounds; VC Prof V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai addressing people after unfurling the tricolour; children from an IGNOU-run creche in a dance performance; and a cultural programme in progress.
Remembering Quit India Movement emembering Mahatma Gandhiji’s famous slogan ‘Do or Die’, IGNOU paid homage to the martyrs of the freedom struggle by commemorating the 68th anniversary of the Quit India Movement. A flag-hoisting ceremony was organised by the Indira Gandhi Centre for Freedom Struggle Studies (IGCFSS) at the Convention Centre on August 9. Dr Yoganand Shastri, Delhi Vidhan Sabha Speaker, Justice Vijender Jain, former Chief Justice, Punjab & Haryana High Court and Shashi Bhushan, Chairman, IGCFSS unfurled the national flag. On August 8, IGCFSS and Freedom Movement Memorial Committee organised a public meeting in the campus to observe Secular Day. The function was inaugurated by former Foreign Secretary Romesh Bhandari. Jagannath Pahadia, Haryana Governor, was the Chief Guest and G.V.G.
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Dr Yoganand Shastri (second from left), Delhi Vidhan Sabha Speaker, and Shashi Bhushan (right), Chairman, IGCFSS, unfurling the tricolour at IGNOU on August 9. (Right) Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Farooq Abdullah speaking at the Secular Day function.
Krishnamurthy, former Election Commissioner, was the Guest of Honour. Eminent speakers at the function included Farooq Abdullah, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy; Ram Naresh Yadav, former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh; Satya Prakash Malaviya, former
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Union Minister; Bali Ram Bhagat, former Lok Sabha Speaker; Prof B.B. Bhattacharya, Vice Chancellor, Jawaharlal Nehru University; Major Ved Prakash, Secretary, All India Congress Committee (AICC); Rajendra Singh, former minister from Madhya Pradesh; and Prof K.R. Srivathsan, Pro-VC.n
REGIONALroundup
Sikkim govt to offer skill development courses GNOU’s Institute for Vocational Education and Training (IIVET), Shillong, has signed a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) with the State Institute of Capacity Building (SICB), Department of Personnel Administrative Reforms and Training, Government of Sikkim, to offer vocational and skill development programmes to unemployed youth in the region.
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As per the MoC signed on July 16, 2010 at the IGNOU Headquar ters in New Delhi, the following three programmes will be launched initially — Cer tificate Programme in Housekeeping, Cer tificate Programme in Front Office Management and Cer tificate Programme in Food and Beverages. IGNOU and SICB will also introduce programmes in the following areas:
medicinal plants; computer hardware; computer software; cultural and traditional craft; paper bags and book binding; electrical wiring, masonry, painting and carpentry; foreign languages (Chinese, Japanese, Tibetan, English); landscaping; tourist guide; eco village; cooking and catering; beautician; cultural tourism; cultural craft; and wood carving/bamboo craft.n
Basic computer training for N-E youth
Dr Poongothai Aladi, MoS for IT, with VC Prof Pillai after the signing of an MoU.
Students undergoing computer literacy training at a Common Services Centre in Meghalaya.
GNOU Institute for Vocational Education and Training (IIVET), Shillong, in collaboration with Basix, a new generation livelihood promotion institution, has provided ‘Basic Computer’ training to students from rural areas of Meghalaya through various Common Services Centres (CSCs). The training is part of an MoU signed between IIVET and Basix on December 4, 2009. According to the MoU, the institutes had to deliver vocational training on Computer Literacy, Tailoring and Grocery, Dairy Management, Electrical Wiring, etc, through 60 CSCs
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— 50 in Meghalaya and 10 in Sikkim. As on date, 72 students have finished the 45-day computer training in CSCs located in the following areas: Lawbah, Lawsohtun, Mawlong, Mawkyrwat, Shella, Shangpung, Nongbah, Laitryngew, Tura, Laitkor and Phulbari. The training has benefitted many students, especially those from rural areas. After completing the training, at least 25 candidates have become eligible to apply for jobs in the Border Security Force Department as computer operators. Five students have started working in local computer shops.n
ICT training for Tamil Nadu teachers GNOU has initiated ICT training of teachers in Tamil Nadu in collaboration with the ICTACT, the ICT capacity-building academy under the Ministry of Information Technology, Tamil Nadu. Dr Poongothai Aladi, Minister of State for Information Technology, Vice Chancellor Prof V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai; Lakshmi Narayanan, Chairman, ICTACT and Dr M. Shanmugam, Regional Director, Madurai, were present during the event. The Regional Centres in Tamil Nadu, with Madurai RC as the Nodal Centre, are coordinating the programme.n
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IGNOU has started agricultural programmes at the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, BHU. Some of the programmes are Diploma in Value-Added Products from Fruits and Vegetables and Diploma in Dairy Technology.
IGNOU OPEN LETTER | AUGUST 15, 2010 15
ONcampus
MILEsTONEs
Dr Rausaria appointed new DEC Director In addition to the already r R.R. Rausaria has been continued initiatives of DEC, appointed new Director of his main priorities would be to IGNOU’s Distance Education diversify the activities of the Council (DEC). Prior to joining Council in the following thrust DEC, Dr Rausaria worked as areas: development of Registrar (I/c) in the Material Programmes, specific norms Production and Distribution and guidelines; strengthening Division (MPDD). the research activities of ODL Earlier, he worked as system — both systemic and Director, Directorate of Dr R.R. Rausaria. discipline-based research; Distance Education, programme-specific assessment and Kurukshetra University. He has also accreditation; development of norms for served in the Distance Education Council strengthening of Student Support Services; (DEC) as Deputy Director since 1994. use of technology for enhancing the reach A recipient of ‘Alexander von Humboldt of programmes in remote and distant areas; Fellowship’ from Germany, Dr Rausaria and establishment of Centre for Internal has also been a faculty member of Quality Assurance in all ODL Institutions.n National Institute of Technology, Srinagar.
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Six-year-old Divya is IGNOU’s youngest student clay and designs, Divya enrolled t six, children are usually himself in Certificate Programme expected to study primary in Craft and Design (Pottery) school subjects. But Divya (CCDP). Prakash Pandey is special. The sixDivya dreams of doing wonders year-old has become the youngest Divya Prakash. in craft and design. He also student in the Indira Gandhi wishes to design and develop the National Open University (IGNOU), famous magic trick ‘Water Of India’ and perhaps the youngest in any university. through his world of clay.n Having a keen interest in the world of
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HIGHLIGHTS WEDNESDAY August 18 07:30: Pariveshiye Addhyan Mein 11:30: Phir Ek Khamoshi 12:00: Bhasha Mandakini (Sanskrit): Vedic Maths- 11, Prakrit Part- 15 18:30: NIOS: 1. Skeleton, Muscles & Movement 2. Statistics (Hindi)
FRIDAY August 20 08:30: Aadhunik Bharatiya Sahitya Bharatendu 10:30: NCERT/CIET: Sec. & Sr. Sec.:Maths for Class – XII: Derivative as Rate of Change 13:00: Science/ Environment/Health: The Story of A River 18:30: NCERT-CIETPrimary: Natak Khelna Aasan Hai (Baten Kahani Ki)
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SUNDAY August 22 08:30: IGNOU: OET-031, Humsafar 11:30: North East Kaleidoscope/ Women Empowerment: When water Breathes Again 17:00: United Nations: An Experiment to Save The World 18:30:NIOS: 1. Communication 2. Algorithm & Flow Chart (Hindi) 22.30: BROU: Project Report
16 IGNOU OPEN LETTER | AUGUST 15, 2010
WEDNESDAY August 25 17:00: United Nations: Malaria Battle of the Merzoites, Life Story 21:00: IGNOU: DPE-Adhigam Mein Sampreshan Ka Mahatva
24-hr Gyan Darshan IGNOU, Navy sign MoU September, 2000: The IGNOU–Navy Educational Project is initiated by signing of an MOU with Indian Navy on September 23, 2000. lVice Chancellor Prof Abdul Waheed Khan leaves IGNOU for Commonwealth of Learning (COL), Canada lMinistry of External Affairs offers 100
scholarships for the learners of South Asian countries to enable them to carry out their studies. lIGNOU starts a scheme to offer two to four short-term Visiting Fellowships to Distance Education Professionals working in Asian Open Universities for carrying out a small project connected with the promotion and development of Distance Education. For 2000, four professionals from Hong Kong Open University, Payame Noor University, Tehran; Open University of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh Open University are awarded the fellowships. lA new Regional Centre is established in Ranchi, the capital of newly-created Jharkhand on EIL for construction of second phase of campus construction.
Gyan Darshan goes 24-hour January, 2001: Gyan Darshan becomes a 24-hour channel.
Not to be
Missed
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Watch a special programme on ‘Water Resources: Hydrologic Cycle and Indian Rainfall’ at 11 am on August 23. A nearperfect rainfall in the past few days has boosted crop planting, thus raising hopes of a considerable increase in the country’s total crop output.
SATURDAY August 28 08:30: IGNOU: Brahmand Ki Khoj 12:00: Bhasha Mandakini:Vedic Maths, Prakrit Part-24 13.00: Science/ Environment/Health: Brahmand Ki Khoj
MONDAY August 30 08:30: IGNOU: Disorder of Thoughts 12:00: Bhasha Mandakini (Sanskrit): Vedic Maths -2 18:30: NIOS: Simple Machines (Hindi)