Open Letter - September 2010 by ians ians

FROMthe vice chancellor

CONTENTS Back to Classroom 4

INFOCUS: IGNOU’s On-Campus Programmes are helping build a national pool of trained professionals, thus boosting India’s Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER)

A Connecting Force 8

SPOTLIGHT: At the click of a button, IGNOU’s SMS Alerts Service has brought learners across the country one step closer to useful information

TEACHERS’ DAY ......03 REGIONAL UPDATES ...15 CULINARY INSTITUTE..11 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 Advisory Council: Prof P.R. Ramanujam, Dr Latha Pillai Design and Production: IANS Publishing www.ianspublishing.com

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ndira Gandhi National Open University has a faculty strength of over 1,000 with doctoral and post-doctoral qualification who are occupying permanent full-time positions as Assistant Professors, Associate Professors and Professors or equivalent academic positions as Assistant Directors, Deputy Directors and Directors. In addition, the University has a rich pool of about 50,000 part-time academic counsellors. A large number of very eminent scientists and academicians are also serving the University as consultants, Emeritus Professors and Chair Professors. In terms of infrastructure, IGNOU has its own built-up campus in New Delhi, spread across an area of about 170 acres with state-of-the-art education media studio and ICT facilities. The campus houses the Edusat — the exclusive satellite for education for the country — provided by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The University also provides family residential facilities for over 400 teachers and other staff. In addition, IGNOU has 61 Regional Centres in its own buildings or in rented premises. The University is in the process of building facilities for all the Regional Centres. Laboratories for specific science programmes and an Inter-University Consortium for TechnologyEnabled Learning are also housed in the Campus. While these facilities are being effectively utilised to provide coordination of distance teaching activities, in an attempt to maximise utilisation of infrastructure and the vast experience of the large number of eminent academics, the University has started full-time research, full-time post-graduate programmes in selected specialised areas and programmes under the Convergence Scheme, wherein the top-class facilities of the best higher education institutions in the country are availed for undergraduate and post-graduate teaching. The Research and Teaching Assistant (RTA) Scholarship Scheme, which the University has started, has over 120 research scholars doing full-time research and teaching assistance. The M.Phil. programmes and the rigorous course works which are mandatory for the Ph.D. programmes are also fulltime campus teaching programmes. IGNOU has been offering such On-campus courses/programmes partly or fully for the last several years. All the Engineering and Technology and Computer Science programmes, have their practical, project works and work-integrated learning. All distance education programmes have the required full-time practicals and project work wherever relevant. B.Sc. and other vocational programmes have all their practicals and field work by direct teaching in recognised academic institutions, S&T or industrial establishments. This issue of OpenLetter features the On-campus, Full-Time programmes of the university in selected specific areas conducted in the main campus and also in other establishments and Regional Centres by making optimal utilisation of the facilities. There is lot of educational and training infrastructure as well as intellectual capabilities available outside the confines of the formal education system in the country. Without compromising the original objectives and focus of the participating institutions, and ensuring quality, rigour and standards, new programmes and innovative strategies for providing relevant education and training need to be worked out. All over the world, universities, including Open Universities, are engaged in such practices effectively. A country aspiring to enhance its Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) from 12 to 40 percent in the next five years needs to contextualise such processes and offer the best quality education to maximum students through its various Universities.

V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai

TEACHERS’day

On-campus students celebrate Teachers’ Day he essence of celebrating Teachers’ Day, in a nutshell, is to acknowledge and respect our teachers (gurus) who help us acquire skill-based knowledge and teach us how to stay afloat in the sea of competition. Keeping with this Guru-Shishya tradition, on-campus students and Research and Training Assistants (RTAs) celebrated ‘Guru Dakshina’ at the Convention Centre in Maidan Garhi on September 5. In the presence of nearly 400 teachers, researchers and students, Chief Guest Prof G.K. Chadha, CEO, South Asia University and Member, Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, proudly told the gathering that a teacher-student relationship is a two-way street where both learn from each other. “While a teacher helps build his/her student’s career, a student, in return, makes the teacher upgrade his/her skills,” Prof Chadha added. Students of School of Performing and Visual Arts (SOPVA) enthralled the audience with their performance. Learners of the National Centre for Disability Studies (NCDS) performed a play titled ‘Ek Adarsh Shikshak’ that was well appreciated. Students from campus and the Regional Centres in Delhi paid tributes to teachers. On the occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai announced the extension of library timings for students from 6 pm to 8:30 pm on all working days. In a gesture aimed at paying tribute to the great educationist, Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the participants left their signatures on a board, marking the end of the celebrations.n

(From top) a Teachers’ Day banner showing signatures of on-campus students, RTAs and IGNOU faculty; Participants paying tribute to their teachers through a play titled ‘Ek Adarsh Shikshak’ and a song performance at the Convention Centre on September 5.

IGNOU OPEN LETTER | SEPTEMBER 15, 2010 3

BUSTLING WITH ACTIVITY: The otherwise quiet campus of IGNOU has become more alive with the introduction of Face-to-Face programmes. Seen in the photo, on-campus students, enrolled in varied disciplines, outside the classroom complex at the University Headquarters.

Campus Learners INFocus IGNOU’s On-Campus Programmes are helping build a national pool of trained professionals to increase India’s Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER)

anogna H. Shastry lives among the stars, literally. A thirdsemester student of one-of-its-kind residential Integrated M.Sc-Ph.D. Programme in Astronomy and Astrophysics, offered by IGNOU in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) at its sprawling campus in Bengaluru, Shastry is one happy learner. “There are several interesting features in this Programme. Firstly, it is one of the few Integrated Ph.D. Programmes offered anywhere in the country. Secondly, it offers specialisation in Astronomy and Astrophysics, providing research orientation to students who have

4 IGNOU OPEN LETTER | SEPTEMBER 15, 2010

completed B.Sc. In the first year, I learnt fundamental subjects like Classical Mechanics, Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics, Electro-dynamics and so on. In the third semester, I’m looking forward to specialisation in Astrophysics, although I am yet to narrow down on a particular topic.” For Shastry, visits to the Kavalur and Gauribidanur Radio Observatories made the learning all the more concrete. The Vainu Bappu Observatory at Kavalur is the main optical observatory of the Institute for night-time astronomy. The Gauribidanur Radio Observatory has a decametre wave radio telescope array and a radioheliograph. “I am thankful to IGNOU

for this opportunity at a premier institution like IIA that is devoted to research in the field of Astronomy and Astrophysics,” says Sagar, another student. Change is in the air. Questions like unification of teaching modes (conventional and Open and Distance Learning Systems) and convergence is the talk of the hour. The ODL System is all set to complement the classroom mode of teaching. At least, the global trends say so (see box). “If conventional universities can start distance-learning programmes, then why can’t an ODL leader like IGNOU begin Face-to-Face, On-campus programmes? The broad idea is to provide students a more practical-based education so that they can develop need-based skills and contribute to the national pool of professionals,” stresses Dr C.K. Ghosh, Director, National Centre for Innovation in Distance Learning (NCIDE) and Nodal Officer, Community College Unit (CCU). “An institution like IGNOU doesn’t have resources to build observatories or telescopes; but via collaborative programmes, the University has been able

Ginni Devi Modi Girls (P.G.) College in to fulfill the ambition of several talented Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh, gives all credit students across the country,” adds to IGNOU. “The IGNOU-Pusa M.Sc DFSM Dr Ghosh. Programme is very comprehensive in The idea is simple, yet great. The terms of courseware. The success of the handshaking of the ODL System and the programme can be seen in the fact that conventional mode of teaching is the IGNOU learners are now successfully future and IGNOU has envisaged a clearing those scholarship exams rare collaborative approach earlier cleared by Delhi University between the two different students. The Face-to-Face university Systems — to offer classes and hands-on training advantages to students in sessions have helped many myriad ways. students get good jobs in the Listen to Vice Chancellor industry,” she says. Professor V.N. Rajasekharan According to Dr Deeksha Pillai and you will decipher how “IGNOU is putting Kapur, Programme Coordinator, IGNOU is going to deliver in a great effort M.Sc (DFSM), the Programme quality at the upper end of the in making the addresses the needs of training learning spectrum — in highprogramme at workforce/developing end research and streams par with other manpower (dietitians, nutrition such as engineering, medicine, universities. counsellors, food service technology and the natural Everything managers, etc.) for emerging sciences — on campus. employment-rich sectors like “To overcome the problems related to the caused by a scarcity of seats programme has hospitals/community dietetics, in the higher education sector proved extremely food service management. “Practical courses constitute and ensure a significant beneficial to me.” — Aarchie Bhatia, the backbone of this increase in the national pool Student, M.Sc (DFSM) Programme. From the January of trained professionals, IGNOU 2011 session, we will make went on forging innovative three-month internship compulsory to alliances and networking with the help the learners develop skills and institutions, in both public and private competencies that make an efficient and sectors, that had resources to help us effective dietitian,” Kapur adds. maximise the educational returns by Fr. Jose Alex CMI, Director, Rajagiri utilising state-of-the-art facilities available College of Engineering and Technology with them.” (RCET), Kochi, says: “There are no two “Inputs gathered through lectures will opinions about the help IGNOU convert Face-to-Face increasing demand for programmes into online programmes for professionally-trained the benefit of our distance learners too.” and competent — Prof Gopinath Pradhan, SOSS personnel in various sectors. The IGNOURCET’s Face-to-Face programmes “We strive to optimally utilise the are aimed at providing a distinctive educational and training infrastructure as combination of academic excellence and well as the intellectual capabilities in both industry relevance. RCET has expertise the formal and informal sectors to ensure and domain knowledge besides best that we achieve our national mission of infrastructure facilities, which are the significantly increasing the Gross main reasons for IGNOU to collaborate Enrollment Ratio,” adds Prof Pillai. with Rajagiri in designing courses to Aarchie Bhatia, who is doing an M.Sc in impart practical knowledge and skills Dietetics and Food Service Management to students and prepare them for (DFSM), a Programme run in collaboration professionally satisfying and rewarding with the prestigious Pusa Institute in New employment.” Delhi, quips: “IGNOU is putting in a great effort in making the programme at par with other universities. The University has Campus comes alive provided us with a professional faculty that is grooming us to step into the The IGNOU Headquarters at Maidan Garhi competitive world. Everything related to is buzzing with student activity, thanks to the programme — teaching method, residential Programmes. Today, there are interaction with experts, field visits, over 500 On-campus students enrolled in practical sessions — has proved 22 streams like Performing Arts, B.A. in extremely beneficial to me.” Sign Language, M.Sc (Economics), Foreign Shikha Saxena, Assistant Professor at Languages and so on.

IGNOU OPEN LETTER | SEPTEMBER 15, 2010 5

Prof K. Satchidanandan, Director, School of Translation Studies and Training (SOTST) that is offering M.A. in Translation Studies and Training Programme in Face-to-Face mode, is happy witnessing the otherwise quiet campus bursting with activities. “The Face-to-Face Programmes are complementing ODL strategy in a great way. I believe that the introduction of On-campus Programmes has brought in a new youthful feel to the University. The campus has become more alive, which is a very welcoming move.” “In order to encourage more students to take up IGNOU’s On-campus Programmes, SOTST will launch two more Face-to-Face Programmes — M.Phil in Translation Studies and Training and Ph.D. in Translation Studies and Training — starting January 2011,” informs Prof Satchidanandan. For Prof Gopinath Pradhan of the School of Social Sciences, IGNOU’s On-campus Programmes are a boon for the students. “Since these are new programmes, via classroom mode of teaching, we will develop the expertise where the inputs gathered through the series of lectures will help the University convert them into On-campus students attending a lecture at the IGNOU Headquarters. online Programmes for the benefit of our distance learners too. “Three M.Sc. (Economics) Programmes, Convergence is the key (MPTDC). Similar programmes viz., Actuarial Economics, have been accepted by Applied Quantitative Finance IGNOU has understood this reality Tourism Boards of Sikkim, and Environmental Economics, sooner than later, while adopting the Assam, Meghalaya and Jammu have been launched as full-time concept of Par tner Institutions and & Kashmir. We are also in programmes from two centres Community Colleges. Today, with over talks with other institutes — IGNOU’s New Delhi Campus 442 Community Colleges and 61 to start more Face-to-Face and Madras School of Par tner Institutions, it has broken the programmes. The trend today Economics (MSE), Chennai glass ceiling that an Open University “Introduction of is to converge ODL and Campus, from the academic can’t do justice with classroom mode On-Campus On-campus style of teaching.” session July 2010. The number of teaching. programmes Admitting that the of students in the first batch at “The collaboration of IGNOU with the handshake between the each Centre is 39 and 46, has brought in ODL system and Classroom respectively. These a new youthful teaching is inevitable to get programmes are an outcome feel to IGNOU. the best results, she says that of the joint efforts of MSE and “the ODL system cannot work IGNOU which signed a The campus rom Allama Iqbal Open University of alone, especially for the Memorandum of Collaboration Pakistan to UK Open University, the trend has become hospitality sector, wherein a to develop academic is clear. More and more Open Universities more alive.” are paving the way for Full-Time residential bulk of the curriculum requires programmes of quality. IGNOU programmes, either On-campus or in — Professor Face-to-Face teaching and envisages developing these collaboration with public/private institutions. K. Satchidanandan hands-on training.” programmes into distance The UK Open University (UKOU) offers an Director, SOTST Prof P.R. Ramanujam, education modules drawing academically rich and intellectually exciting Pro-VC and Director, STRIDE, inputs from the direct research environment at its main Walton Hall says the On-campus B.A. Programme in teaching,” Pradhan says. campus in Milton Keynes, where all the main Sign Language has not only helped hearing “The convergence is here to stay,” says University facilities are sited. In addition to the research programmes impaired students get higher education but Dr Harkirat Bains, Director, School of hosted on the Walton Hall campus, the also bettered their lives. Guan Xeunsong, a Tourism and Hospitality Services research community is enhanced through student from Henan province of China, is Management. (SOTHSM) collaborations with top ranked institutions in enthusiastic. “I joined this course to learn “SOTHSM is running quite a few the UK and worldwide. about the culture of hearing impaired and On-campus, Face-to-Face programmes. UKOU research and the associated Indian sign language. The campus life is IGNOU Certificate programmes are run in programmes of study are recognised and renowned throughout the world. As a key part of vibrant and it feels like home here.” collaboration with the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation

ODL

6 IGNOU OPEN LETTER | SEPTEMBER 15, 2010

Students of Master of Fine Arts (Painting) (MVAP) programme busy finishing assignments.

Harish-Chandra Research Institute (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 Bio-informatics, 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

“The way nature creates symmetry, unification of ODL system and brick-andmortar classrooms is — Manogna H. Shastry, Student the future. Only in this way can we enhance the GER and contribute significantly universities strengthening research by towards the National Skills Mission in the effective utilisation of infrastructural facilities and intellectual capabilities,” says Decade of Innovation,” adds Dr Ghosh. Chandrashekhar, 23, a Master of Fine Prof Pillai. Arts learner, believes he has received better opportunities in IGNOU. Having done his Bachelor’s in Fine Arts from Jamia Millia Islamia University, he feels that IGNOU is not only providing good Some of the programmes that are taught on campus are Master of Arts in Applied Translation, exposure to students, but also has a Master of Arts in Legal Translation, Certificate in peaceful atmosphere away from the Law Enforcement and Security Management, hustle-bustle of life. “Teachers here are Special Part-Time Face-to-Face Programmes for quite cooperative and take extra care of police inspectors, Master of Science in Energy and students,” he adds. Environmental Sustainability, Post-Graduate Prasenjit Kumar, enrolled in the full-time Certificate in Energy and Environmental M.A. Programme in Translation Studies, Sustainability (Energy Management and Audits), Post-Graduate Certificate in Energy and says, “This is the only University that is Environmental Sustainability (Cleaner Production offering Master’s Degree in this stream. and Green Technology), Master of Engineering in Not many students are aware of such a Engineering Management, Master of Engineering programme; but soon, the world will come in Energy and Environmental Technology to know. The scope is tremendous in Management. Translation Studies. From next year In addition, the University also offers Face-toonwards, this Programme will also begin Face programmes in Liberal Studies and Safety, Occupational Health and Environmental in distance mode.” Management. The die is cast. And for good. n

“IGNOU is offering one of the few Integrated Ph.D. Programmes in Astronomy and Astrophysics in India, thus providing research orientation to students.”

GOING CAMPUS WAY its evolving research agenda the University provides a range of higher research degree options that meet rigorous academic standards. There are over 1,000 Post-Graduate research students currently studying with UKOU. The idea of starting On-Campus research programmes is central to the development of technologies and processes that will benefit future generations, says the UKOU Website. The range is dynamic: from Art History to Business and Management; from Languages and Applied Linguistics to Planetary and Space Sciences. M. Sc. (Hon.) in Agriculture Extension, Livestock Management and Rural Development at Allama Iqbal Open University of Pakistan are Full-Time On-campus programmes. In addition to this, the Open University of Hong Kong also offers Full-Time and Part-Time Face-to-Face Programmes.

IGNOU OPEN LETTER | SEPTEMBER 15, 2010 7

the beginning: The inauguration meeting for the SMS Alerts Service in progress at the IGNOU Headquarters in New Delhi. The Service was launched by Vice Chancellor Prof V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai on November 18, 2008.

Mobile Multiplier SPOTLIGHT At the click of a button, IGNOU’s SMS Alerts Service has brought learners across the country one step closer to useful information

rem Bahadur Chetry never thought that pursuing a B.Ed programme from IGNOU would be so easy and hassle free, especially considering the area he resides in — Bomdila — a remote town situated in the northwestern part of Arunachal Pradesh, where connectivity and the Internet are still new concepts. But, these drawbacks are now not a barrier between Chetry and his higher studies, all thanks to the Indira Gandhi National Open University’s SMS Alerts Service — a unique facility that connects the University with its learners across the country at the a click of a button. “Bomdila is still far from all types of communication. While living in regions like Bomdila and Tawang, it becomes difficult to pursue distance education. The introduction of IGNOU’s SMS Alerts Service has relieved me greatly. All the important information — such as schedules of admission, workshops,

8 IGNOU OPEN LETTER | SEPTEMBER 15, 2010

examination forms — is sent on my mobile,” says Chetry. The service has enabled all departments and headquarters in the national capital to communicate with learners all over India, and Regional Centres to communicate with the learners in their jurisdiction. Till date, over 30 lakh SMSes have been sent for different purposes by various IGNOU departments. The SMS Alerts Service was first launched on November 18, 2008, at IGNOU Headquarters in New Delhi and a select number of Regional Centres across the country. The inaugural SMS was sent by Vice Chancellor Prof V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai to approximately 40,000 students and staff members. Subsequently, five Regional Centres located at Chennai, Port Blair, Guwahati, Itanagar and Imphal were equipped with the service. On July 7, 2010, Dr Latha Pillai, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Chairperson of the

“Teachers and learners are becoming tech-savvy. The Service has helped bridge the information gap between IGNOU and its students.” — Dr Latha Pillai Pro-VC, IGNOU

“Assam’s expanse stretches to remote and inaccessible areas. The SMS Alerts Service is a boon in such a scenario.” Pro-VC Prof K.R. Srivathsan inaugurating the SMS Alerts Service at the Jammu RC.

— Dr Vardhini Bhattacharjee RD, Guwahati

says, “We have a tough region with some SMS Alerts Committee, launched the of the backward interiors of the state hit second leg of the Service. “IGNOU needs by insurgency. The Government postal to keep pace with the changing times, services are neither efficient nor reliable. wherein both the teachers and the learners The SMS Alerts Service not only ensures are becoming increasingly tech-savvy. The instant delivery but also costs little.” Service has enabled RCs, Schools, Centres The Service has enabled Regional and Divisions to send SMSes to the Centres to plan various activities in a respective students in their jurisdiction. It short time span. It has also proved to be has helped bridge the information gap an attendance booster. between the University and the Sudeep Sharma, an MBA students,” she says. student from IGNOU’s Jaipur “The Service is being Regional Centre, says, “The used to communicate the SMS Alerts Service has term-end examination results, brought me closer to the confirmation of admissions, University. It has helped me information about placements, attend workshops and other Silver Jubilee Lecture series “Bomdila is still events on a regular basis, and alerts, meeting intimations, being up-to-date about what’s alerts about counselling far from all happening in the University.” sessions, reminders to answer sense of Dr Mamta Bhatia, Deputy sheet evaluators, assignment communication. Director, Jaipur Regional submission, registration, Centre, says, “The SMS information on new But the programmes, etc.,” says introduction of Alerts Service has sent out the message that IGNOU Dr V.S.P. Srivastav, Head, IGNOU’s SMS cares about its students.” Computer Division. Alerts Service “The Service has helped in reducing substantially the has helped Boon for Regional Centres cost overheads that were me greatly.” earlier incurred in dispatch of The Service is being used as a — Prem Bahadur Chetry, study materials,” says core communication tool by Student, Itanagar Dr S. Saunand, RD, Port Blair. the RCs, in the North-East, “Nearly 20,000 students, Jammu and Andaman and enrolled with the Madurai RC, spread Nicobar Islands, apart from others. across 17 districts, would get information Dr. S.J. Neethirajan, RD, Itanagar, says, on a regular basis,” says Dr “Apart from the inhospitable terrain, M. Shanmugham, Madurai RD. Arunachal Pradesh often suffers from flood Dr V.P. Rupam, Deputy Director, RC and landslides. Hence, the SMS Alerts Delhi-1, says, “The benefits of the SMS Service is a boon to the students staying facility have been immense, considering in such areas. It is highly beneficial for the amount of time consumed in drafting students as well as the coordinators and and sending letters through post.” counsellors.” Er. K.K. Bhat, Jammu RD,

FUTURE PLAN

GNOU is working towards offering Advanced SMS Service in due course, which will enable two-way messaging. Students will be able to read the information at IGNOU’s end using SMS, wherein they will get response by SMS through auto-responders. They will also be able to edit specific information such as their profile at IGNOU’s end. “These services will further increase the quality of student support services, as the response time to student’s queries will reduce significantly,” says P.V. Suresh, Assistant Professor, School of Computer and Information Sciences

Serving IGNOU community The facility has also increased coordination and efficiency within the IGNOU community. Dr Babu P. Ramesh, Reader, School of Inter-Disciplinary and Trans-Disciplinary Studies (SOITS), says, “With the SMS alerts, there is no need of noting down most of the events that happen in the University. SMS alerts have proved faster and more effective than e-mails and even telephonic communications.” Adds Dr Pankaj Khare, Director, Student Registration Division (SRD): “Till date, around 50,000 students have registered with this Service. The noteworthy fact is that they not only include students presently enrolled with the University, but also past IGNOU learners, who want the information so that they can share it with others.” Dr. Neeta Kapai, Deputy Director, Campus Placement Cell (CPC), agrees: “IGNOU SMS Alerts Service is a boon for effectively bridging the communication gap and bringing the job-aspiring distance learning population closer to us for quick and interactive exchange of information and sharing of knowledge to confidently face the competitive job world.” Pro-VC Prof K.R. Srivathsan, who is working towards launching a 3G technology-enabled SMS service, says, “The 3G technology creates wider scopes for learners, helping them stream through video, audio and selective Internet browsing.” “New notebooks with built-in 3G chip sets advanced e-learning services. This will allow consulting with academic counsellors, course coordinators, discussions, etc.”n

IGNOU OPEN LETTER | SEPTEMBER 15, 2010 9

NEWSupdates

Addressing global educational targets he Association of Indian Universities has said that IGNOU has the maximum number of foreign students among Indian educational institutions. Vice Chancellor Professor V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai announced this at the inaugural ceremony of the Fifth Coordinators’ Meet of the International Partner Institutions, organised by IGNOU’s International Division (ID). “Our aim is globalisation and internationalisation of education. The major challenge facing us is how global educational targets can be addressed by the Partner Institutes of the University. There is also an urgent need to personalise solutions according to the need of the Partner Institutes across the world,” said Prof Pillai. The meet, held from September 15 to September 17, provided a forum for a wider exchange of ideas between all stakeholders to make IGNOU programmes more viable . “The meet provides a platform for the programme partners to interact, brainstorm and share, apart from identifying problems in day-to-day processes and to evolve strategies to plug loopholes,” said Dr Kusum Sharma, Director, ID. Dr Silima Nanda, Deputy Director, ID,

VC Prof V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai with international delegates at the ‘Fifth Coordinators’ Meet of the International Partner Institutions’ at the IGNOU Convention Centre in New Delhi.

added, “At present, there are 7,400 students enrolled in the International Division. This means a growth of 23 percent over the past year. The reach has been extended to the U.K. and there are plans to extend it further to Canada and France.” The meeting was attended by representatives of IGNOU Partner Institutions in Singapore, Ethiopia, Nepal, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the Sultanate

of Oman, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Sharjah, Bahrain, Mauritius, Kyrgystan, Bangladesh, Mongolia, U.K., Malawi, Zambia, Lesotho, Botswana, Egypt, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Gambia, Madagascar, Liberia, Malawi, Swaziland, Jamaica, Seychelles, Samoa, Namibia and the UAE. Pro-Vice Chancellors Dr Latha Pillai and Dr Parvin Sinclair, apart from Directors and staff of the University, were also present at the event.n

PCF6 Secretariat receives over 250 papers he biennial Pan-Commonwealth Forum (PCF) on Open Learning, an initiative by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) to be held in India this November, is attracting positive attention, with over 250 papers already being received by the PCF6 Secretariat at IGNOU’s Maidan Garhi campus in New Delhi. There are already close to 50 registrations from delegates abroad, and the final number of foreign delegates is expected to cross 450. Prof P.R. Ramanujam, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Programme Chair, PCF6, said that preparations are on at a frenetic pace to make the Conference a success. He is optimistic that the total number of delegates will cross 800.

Among the keynote Prof Ramanujam added that speakers are: Sir John; Prof Air-India has come on board as Badri N. Koul, former Pro-VC, the “official carrier” of the IGNOU; Steve Maharey, VC, conference. Massey University, New Aimed at exploring the Zealand; and Professor contribution of Open and Emeritus Tan Sri Anuwar Ali, Distance Learning to Vice Chancellor and President international development goals, of the Open University, PCF6, jointly organised by COL Pro-VC Prof P.R. Malaysia. and IGNOU, is to be held at the Former Union Minister Le Meridian Hotel in Kochi, Kerala, Ramanujam. Dr Shashi Tharoor will deliver the from November 24 to 28. prestigious ‘Asa Briggs Lecture’. Agricultural scientist Prof M.S. For registration, contact: Programme Swaminathan, father of the Green Chair, PCF6, IGNOU, Maidan Garhi, New Revolution in India, is the Honorary Chair. Delhi - 110068. Phone number: (011) Sir John Daniel, COL President, and Prof 29572606. E-mail: programmechair@ V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice Chancellor, pcf6.net. Website: http://www.pcf6.netn IGNOU, are the Co-Chairs.

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NEWSupdates

Dying delicacies back on the platter Main COURSE n Three-year Degree Course in Culinary Arts n One-year Diploma Course in Food Production

and Patisserie n One-year Diploma Course in Food

Processing Short-term Programmes (to be launched later) n Patisserie & Boulangerie n Indian Cuisine n Euro-American Cuisine n Japanese Cuisine n Pan-Asian Cuisine n Mediterranean Cuisine n Gastronomy Courses

Puttu-Kadala, Kerala’s all time favourite breakfast, will be a subject of study among several other regional dishes at IGNOU’s specialised culinary institute.

GNOU is all set to revolutionise the taste buds of Indians and give them a peek into what’s actually been cooking around the country apart from the usual dishes prepared by restaurants as regional cuisines. Diners will now be able to look beyond Punjabi, Konkani and Kashmiri delicacies, thanks to the University’s decision to set up a first-of-its-kind culinary institute, offering Programmes to promote dying cuisines from different parts of India. The Institute, being set up under School of Tourism and Hospitality Services Management (SOTHSM), would train ready-to-employ culinary professionals for all segments of the hotel and restaurant industry. The institute would also train ready-to-employ culinary professionals for Airline Catering, Cruise-line Catering, Event Management Catering and Institutional Catering. According to Vice Chancellor Prof V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai, the introduction of the new Programmes will help in documenting, preserving, developing and promoting India’s regional cuisines. “Every region or state has a cuisine that is unique. With the passage of time, some of the most authentic recipes are already lost or dying. They need to be documented. That apart, the institute will offer

(Clockwise from top), media coverage of the upcoming institute in The Times of India, The Economic Times and The Hindustan Times.

Other Programmes in the pipeline n Master’s in Culinary Administration Programme n Programme in Entrepreneurial Cuisine n Short-term Summer Programmes for housewives and household cooks

professional Programmes starting from the Certificate to the PhD level. It will also offer an MBA Programme with specialisation in Indian culinary art,” he said. Full-time, classroom-mode Programmes in Culinary Arts, Food Production and Patisserie, Food Processing, among others, will be offered from the 2011-12 academic session in the campus as well as in top-notch hotels and restaurants approved by the university. One of the special features of the institute is that the students will get an opportunity to select a course of study as specialisation in the third year. Dr Harkirat Bains, Director, SOTHSM, said, “This is a very innovative step. The institute will essentially be a multi-cuisine institute, which will educate the students about the history of each cuisine — both within the country as well as globally. We have collaborated with big names like the Taj Group of Hotels. Consultants from the Taj will prepare the entire Programme structure, which will be approved by IGNOU authorities and other statutory bodies.” Eminent chefs would be designated as adjunct faculty at the institute and the training and project work will be carried out in collaboration with the hotel and restaurant industry, she added. Get ready for a great taste ride!n

IGNOU OPEN LETTER | SEPTEMBER 15, 2010 11

NEWSupdates

‘Folk has enriched classical literature’ Folklore Studies ased on the seminar’s theme of folk literature, Dr Nandini Sahu, Associate Professor of English, SOH, has designed and developed a PG Diploma Programme in Folklore and Culture Studies (PGDFCS). Consisting of 30 credits, the one-year programme seeks to address that section of students who are not covered by formal education, and intend to pursue higher education in transdisciplinary subjects. The PG Diploma may soon be converted into an M.A. Programme in Folklore and Culture Studies with the addition of another year’s course. Dr Sahu has also proposed an Elective Course in Folk Literature in Translation as part of the M.A. English Programme. She is in the process of launching a website on Folklore Studies. For details, contact Dr Sahu at www.kavinandini.blogspot.com

From left, SOH Director Prof Renu Bhardwaj, noted writer Prof Manoj Das, Pro-VC Prof K.R. Srivathsan and seminar organiser Dr Nandini Sahu inaugurating the National Seminar on ‘Tradition of Folk in Literature’ at the IGNOU Headquarters on August 30.

class of wandering mendicants. In course of here has been a profound parallel time, the folk tradition, to a great extent, growth of folk and classical was absorbed into the classical tradition. traditions in Indian Literature, which This mixture elevated many of the folk has subsequently led to the former stories to a sublime level and the epics too enriching the latter to a great extent. This became more interesting by their inclusion. was the idea that stood out at the National Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Seminar titled ‘Tradition of Folk in Prof Srivathsan said, “The study of folk Literature,’ organised by School of traditions is a must in Universities. Humanities (SOH), on August 30-31. Hundreds of streams of folk literature are Eminent speakers like Prof Manoj Das, disappearing, including local deities, songs, Prof Indranath Choudhury, Prof Jawaharlal stories. There is a need to restore India to Handoo, Prof Anju Sahgal Gupta, Prof Mohd. India. Seminars like this are a first step in Zaman Azurdah, Prof Harish Narang, Prof this direction. One needs emotions to teach P.R. Ramanujam, Prof G.J.V. Prasad, Prof K. languages. This can’t be done Satchidanandan and Prof K.R. without getting familiar with Srivathsan shared their our folk traditions.” viewpoints. Prof. Satchidanandan, “The idea that folk literature is Director, School of Translation distinct from classical literature Studies and Training (SOTST), is unreal. In fact, classical said: “Folklore has become an literature is teeming with folk ethnic curiosity in museums. references. Folk literature has It becomes gruesome when enriched classical literature,” “The idea that rulers appropriate folklore for said noted writer Prof Das in his inaugural address at the seminar, folk literature is their own agendas. This distinct from appropriation has happened to organised as part of the Silver Bharatanatyam, Mohiniattam Jubilee Lecture Series. classical and continues in various forms He explained that Indian literature is even today. This leads to literature witnessed a parallel unreal. In fact, derision of the original growth of classical and folk practitioners of the art form.” traditions. While classical texts classical The seminar looked into include Mahabharata and literature is several tribal and folk Ramayana, folk or pragmatic teeming with traditions, including folk literature consists of texts like Panchtantra, Kathasaritsagar and folk references” renderings of epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. Jataka Tales, apart from oral — Prof Manoj Das Noted Writer More than 150 participants traditions of songs sung by a

12 IGNOU OPEN LETTER | SEPTEMBER 15, 2010

attended the seminar from all over the country and presented papers on topics such as folk traditions of Bihar, Jammu, Orissa, Kashmir, Bhojpuri, Jagannath Cult, Mizo Folktales, Language Death and Muslim Folk Traditions, etc. In his keynote address titled ‘Civilising the Civilisation: Oral Discourse and Civil Society,’ noted folklorist Prof Handoo said, “Out of the 31 epic themes in the world, only nine are women-centric. Most of these themes depict women getting molested, humbled and humiliated. In folklore literature, on the other hand, small becomes big and victorious, and the big is defeated. Problems are solved through stories.” While presenting her seminar report, Dr Nandini Sahu, Associate Professor of English, SOH, and organiser of the seminar, said, “It is important that policy planners are sensitive to the impact of the developmental processes on the marginalised communities. This seminar has contributed to two major concerns. First, it studied the marginal society in their specificity through literature, and second, it discussed the impact of marginalised communities’ contact with more complex societies.” Prof Renu Bhardwaj, Director, SOH, announced that “the School will constitute a committee to encourage research into folk literature. We are also looking at putting Indian languages in an electronic form for Indians who are settled abroad.”n

NEWSupdates

‘Farmers’ involvement at all levels crucial’ n Agartala, one of the remotest areas in the North-East and situated just two km from the Bangladesh border, some of the brightest minds in the field of agriculture and allied sectors were busy discussing, for three days, challenges faced by the agriculture educational system in managing indigenous knowledge as well as knowledge generated by research and educational institutes for innovative agriculture. “We were successful in evolving integrated strategies to achieve food security and sustainable agriculture development, particularly in the North-East,” said Prof B.S. Hansra, Professor, School of Agriculture (SOA), IGNOU, that organised the three-day conference in collaboration with the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Washington, from August 24 to 26. “Farmers’ involvement at all levels of agriculture education and knowledge management is very crucial,” Hansra added. The conference got off to a flying start on August 24 at Pragna Bhavan with the Chief Guest, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, emphasising the need to focus on location-based research in agriculture and its allied sectors. “Given the agricultural diversity in terms of climate, topography, agro-ecological and farming across the country, the information

From left, Dr K.S. Chakraborty, Tripura Regional Director; Dr Kwadwo Asenso-Okyere, Director, ESARO, IFPRI; Dr D.Y. Patil, Tripura Governor; Pro-VC Dr Latha Pillai; and Prof B.S. Hansra of School of Agriculture, at the valedictory session of the three-day Conference in Agartala on August 26.

management at different institutional levels from experts down to the farmers is to be tackled first, in order to provide our onebillion population food security and our farmers an enhanced income,” said Sarkar. Dr Kwadwo Asenso-Okyere, Director, ESARO, IFPRI, said: “There is an urgent need to assess the potential of GM crops as these are nutrient-enriched, droughtand disease-resistant varieties.” Speaking at the valedictory session

of the conference, Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr Latha Pillai said: “There is enough information available, only these should be translated into application and day-to-day life.” Tripura Governor D.Y. Patil, Chief Guest at the valedictory session, said: “Without development of agriculture, India cannot be a super power. Politicians are not serious about formulating and executing a pragmatic agriculture and food policy by adopting new technologies and research outcomes.”n

NEWSscan Satellite link for Army in Leh Web-based Services in ODL Book on Distance Education GNOU, in collaboration with the Indian Army, has launched a satellite link with Leh in order to facilitate distance education to Army personnel in remote areas. Army Chief General V.K. Singh inaugurated the IGNOU satellite link with a military base in Leh on August 20, thus extending the University’s educational online resources to the army troops deployed in the Ladakh region. The satellite link facility, as part of the University and the Army’s joint project Gyan Deep, will be replicated soon in other parts of the country.n

factoids

r A. Murali M. Rao, Joint Director, IGNOU Computer Division, has submitted a research paper on ‘Webbased User Support Services System in Distance Learning.’ The central theme of the System is to facilitate integration of all functional units and provide various web-enabled support services by using Information and Communication Technologies to benefit learners as well as other user communities. The system is being developed in .Net framework for front-end design and in Oracle for back-end.n

r Nayantara Padhi, Assistant Professor, Centre for Corporate Education, Training & Consultancy (CCETC), IGNOU, has recently edited a book titled Dr Nayantara ‘Total Quality Management Padhi. of Distance Education’. The book brings together the knowledge, perspective and practical experience of educators from across the globe and explores diverse approaches to quality in distance education.n

IGNOU has launched a six-month Certificate Programme in PC Hardware and Networking in collaboration with HCL Infosystems Limited. The first batch of the programme is being offered in Instructor Led Teaching (ILT) Mode.

IGNOU OPEN LETTER | SEPTEMBER 15, 2010 13

NEWSupdates

‘Dalits have enriched Indian literature’ alit themes and narratives have enriched Indian literature to a great extent, said Dr U.R. Ananthamurthy, renowned Kannada writer and the Tagore Chair in Indian Literature at IGNOU. While delivering the IGNOU Silver Jubilee Lecture on ‘Contribution to Indian Literature’ on August 20, Dr Ananthamurthy examined how Dalits have resisted the dominance of upper castes on their own cultural terms through the “front yard and a backyard” theory. Drawing parallels with a typical Hindu home, the Jnanpeetha Award winner explained that the front yard in literature belongs to the upper castes, whereas the backyard provides a literary space for the Dalits, women and other lower castes. “A lot of our literature has come from the backyard. While heroic literature comes from the front yard, the backyard has given birth to themes that have enriched Indian literature. The backyard theory is not just limited to India. English and other languages also have a backyard,” he said. While throwing light on the oral tradition in Dalit literature, he said: “Literature that has lost its oral quality is no longer literature. The spoken word is kept alive by the lowest of the low. Proverbs are like Vedas for the poor. Yet, many radical, progressive thinkers don’t

Dr U.R. Ananthamurthy delivering the IGNOU Silver Jubilee lecture on ‘Dalit Contribution to Indian Literature’ at the Convention Centre at the Maidan Garhi campus in New Delhi.

take the oral part of Dalit literature into consideration. Indian literature, as we know it, is not just written literature.” Touching upon the history of Dalit literature from the 12th century, Dr Ananthamurthy spoke at length about the themes of Dalit epics. He said the unique feature of Dalit epics is that unlike the upper castes, they do not talk of the nation, but the community. “Dalits have made a great contribution to literature because the backyard has surpassed the front yard. We have a great backyard of unspoken things, metaphors in all Indian languages. These

were all brought to the fore by Dalit writers. Dalit epics glorify everyday life. They borrow from older poets to debunk some of their theories. In this way, they assist their own identity. And this is what makes their stories so unique,” he added. Prof Gail Omvedt, Prof B.R. Ambedkar Chair on Social Change and Development, was the discussant for the lecture. She said although Dalit literature has made important contributions, it is reaching a state of crisis. “We are still waiting for the contributions that Dalit literature is promising us,” Prof Omvedt added.n

NEWSscan ‘Women poets wiped off’

Globalisation and inequality ‘Innovation in education’

ames of several women folk poets were systematically wiped off, said Vishnu Khare, a well-known poet, translator and critic while delivering the 11th Friday Seminar Lecture series, organised by School of Gender and Development Studies. The topic of the lecture was ‘The Daughters of Punna and Mutta: Contemporary Women Poets in Hindi.’ “The M.A. in Hindi programmes being taught in our Universities are Hindu courses which have not been secularised. We need to hijack Mir, Ghalib, Umrao Jaan Ada into the Hindi curriculum and secularise it. The names of several women folk poets have been wiped off. The Bhakti movement is a political movement, a people’s movement and the Dalit uprising can be traced to it,” he said.n

he process of globalisation is increasing inequality within and across countries, said noted social scientist Prof. Alakh N. Sharma while Prof Alakh delivering the opening N. Sharma. address at the inaugural session of the second batch of M.A. in Labour and Development (MLD) programme. Evidences suggest an overall deterioration in the quality of new jobs, said Prof Sharma, who is also the editor of Indian Journal of Labour Economics. VC Prof V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai released an information booklet on the MLD Programme during the function.n

14 IGNOU OPEN LETTER | SEPTEMBER 15, 2010

From left, Dr C.K. Ghosh, Dr Madhulika Kaushik and Prof Rakesh Khurana.

GNOU has removed the shackles on learning, believes Prof Rakesh Khurana, Chairman, Knowledge Network India. Prof Khurana was delivering a lecture titled ‘Innovations and Development in ODL on Case Studies of Innovation in Online Learning,’ organised by the National Centre for Innovations in Distance Education.n

REGIONALroundup

IT skills for school teachers eeping in view the need to train school teachers in IT Skills, IGNOU has joined hands with the ICT Academy of Tamil Nadu (ICTACT) to launch a training programme on ‘IT Skills for School Teachers’. The programme was inaugurated at the University’s Madurai Regional Centre on September 5. Prof. G. Pankajam, former Vice Chancellor of Gandhigram Rural Institute, was the Chief Guest at the inauguration ceremony. In From left, P.V. Suresh, Assistant Professor, IGNOU; her address, Prof Pankajam emphasised the growing need for Sanjeev Nagar, GM, ICTACT; Prof. G. Pankajam, former VC, Gandhigram Rural University; and Dr M. Shanmugham, familiarising school teachers Regional Director (Madurai), at the event. with the fast-changing IT era/borderless world. While sharing her rich experience in school education, Prof Pankajam insisted that the use of Information and Communication Technology is of utmost importance for both teaching and learning purposes. The teaching-learning atmosphere has to be active and participative, which is possible only through IT skills, she said, while congratulating IGNOU for teaming up with ICTACT to offer this much-needed training programme to the teachers of Tamil Nadu. In his welcome address, Dr. M. Shanmugham, Regional Director, Madurai, said that the training of the first batch, consisting of 30 teachers, has already started. The programme, which will be extended to all the major cities in Tamil Nadu once the training centres are identified, will be conducted with the help of resource persons from ICTACT. School teachers will receive certificates jointly issued by IGNOU and ICTACT after the successful completion of the training. Introducing the training programme, Sanjeev Nagar, GM, ICTACT, said that the teachers will have to undergo 42 hours of hands-on training in IT skills during weekends.n

Kouna Crafts training in Imphal GNOU Institute for Vocational Education and Training (IIVET), Shillong, in collaboration with the Kasturba-Gandhi Institute for Development (KGID), Imphal, has launched a two-month training programme in Kouna Crafts of Manipur. The training programme commenced on August 23. The participants are women in the age group of 15-32 years. Participants at a training session on The tradition of Kouna Crafts is one of Kouna Crafts in Imphal.

factoids

Training on bamboobased housing system GNOU Institute for Vocational Education and Training (IIVET), Shillong, sponsored a fiveday training programme on ‘Bamboo-based Housing Systems’ at the Indian Plywood Industries Research and Training Institute (IPIRTI), Bangalore. A total of 11 participants attended the training programme, held from August 9 to 13. While inaugurating the programme, Dr C.N. Pandey, Director, IPIRTI, emphasised the importance of trained manpower in building bamboo houses and IPIRTI’s commitment in improving human resource as per the organisation’s mandate. All the participants were provided with a kit and IPIRTI’s Do-It-Yourself Manual as background course material. Jagadish Vengala, Course Director, briefed the participants about the topics which will be covered in the course.

IGNOU success story eorge Joseph of Alapuzha, Kerala, a student of IGNOU’s B.Ed Programme, is another success story. Joseph, a student at the Cochin Regional Centre, has secured a job with a reputed school situated in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He believes that IGNOU has helped him understand his strengths and weaknesses and also gave him the awareness to modify his methods of instruction and administration.

the oldest in Manipuri society. Locally named Kouna (Water reed), it is a unique, eco-friendly plant distinctively grown in Manipur. Kouna Crafts have a valuable market both inside and outside the state. The training programme is an effort towards marketing these products, encouraging the artisanship and securing the economic benefits of artisans. Dr A.S. Guha, OSD, IIVET, and Dr A. Varadarajan, Deputy Director, EDNERU, IGNOU, recently visited Imphal to oversee the training programme.n

IGNOU has launched a Centre of Excellence for Advance Education & Research in collaboration with International Institute of Information Technology (I2IT), Pune. M.Tech, MS and MBA degrees will be offered.

IGNOU OPEN LETTER | SEPTEMBER 15, 2010 15

ONcAmpUs

MILEsTONEs

Dr C.K. Ghosh is NCIDE Director

International Division’s new head

r C.K. Ghosh has been appointed Director, National Centre for Innovations in Distance Education (NCIDE) at IGNOU. Earlier, Dr Ghosh served Dr C.K. Ghosh as Director, Student Services Centre (SSC). He also has the charge of Community College Unit (CCU).n

r Kusum Sharma has been appointed Director, International Division (ID) at IGNOU. Earlier, she worked with institutions Dr Kusum like NCERT, Jamia Millia Sharma Islamia University and SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai.n

Dr Banik appointed NCDS Director

Dr Kurup takes charge of SSC

r Arun Banik has taken over as Director, National Centre for Disability Studies (NCDS) at IGNOU. He is an expert in Speech and Hearing and Disability Dr Arun Banik Rehabilitation. Dr Banik served as an Assistant Director at the Regional Centre of NIHH, Bhubaneswar.n

r Jayashree Kurup has taken over as Director, Student Services Centre (SSC) at IGNOU. Prior to this, Dr Kurup served as Deputy Director and Unit Dr Jayashree Head, Educational Kurup Development of North East Region Unit (EDNERU).n

OBITUARY

DEP-SSA gets new Director r Anita Priyadarshini has been appointed Director, Distance Education Programme—Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (DEP-SSA). Dr Priyadarshini has worked Dr Anita with the National Institute Priyadarshini of Open Schooling (NIOS).n

irupam Sethi, who was working as a Data Entry Operator with IGNOU’s Student Evaluation Division (SED), passed away on September 15. He joined IGNOU as a Computer Operator in 1990. In his 20 years of service at IGNOU, he worked at Computer Division, Academic Coordination Division and Student Evaluation Division.n

HIGHLIGHTS SATURDAY September 25 17:00: United Nations: Nice Guys Finish First, People Count 21:00: Industrial Relations in Australia : Issues And Policies 21:30: IGNOU:Post Harvest Management of Fruit and Vegetables and Freezing of Peasn 22.30: BRAOU: Vidyaa Moolyaankanam — Saadhanaalu

SUNDAY September 26 07:30: NCERT/CIETTeachers Prog: Zindagi Ek Kavita 08:00: NITTTR: Properties of laser lights 08:30: IGNOU:Social Change in India 09:00: Adult Education: Siyaram Main Sabi Jag Jani 09:30: CEC/UGC: Countrywide Classroom: Disha – Journalism

MONDAY September 27 08:00: NITTTR: Indian technical education systems 08.30: IGNOU: Third Mother Teresa Memorial Lecture by His Holiness The Dalai Lama “ Mother And Compassion” 09:30: CEC/UGC: Countrywide Classroom: Natural Hazards — Floods

16 IGNOU OPEN LETTER | SEPTEMBER 15, 2010

[ TUESDAY September 28 08:30: Hypertension 09:00: Chilika — Our Natural Heritage 12.00: Bhasha Mandakini (Sanskrit) : Sanskrit Language Teaching Jyotir Vigyan-05

12th Convocation Seminar on Australia February 2001: IGNOU organises a seminar on ‘Australia in a Changing World’. lIGNOU organises an International Workshop on Information and Communication Technologies for Professional development of Primary Education Personnel. lDr Asghar Ali Engineer delivers the Anuvrat Trust Endowment Lecture.

March 2001: The 12th Convocation is held at the IGNOU Headquarters. lIGNOU organises the UNESCO Regional

Training Workshop on the use of electronic media in distance science teaching. April 2001: IGNOU observes Fire Safety Week . May 2001: IGNOU Distance Education Council signs MoU with National Council for Teacher Education. June 2001: IGNOU welcomes Prof H.P. Dikshit as the new Vice Chancellor. July 2001: Prof H. Ian Macdonald delivers the sixth G. Ram Reddy Memorial Lecture. August 2001: IGNOU signs MoU with Prasar Bharati.

Not to be

Missed

]

Watch ‘Regulating Cyber Space: A Medium, Technology or a Space Part-2’ at 5 pm on September 30. With so much of our personal information getting stored in cyberspace and hard drives, we stand to lose both money and privacy if these fall into the wrong hands.

WEDNESDAY September 29 7:30: NCERT/CIETTeachers Prog: Bringing Heritage Craft In School Education 08.30: IGNOU: History And Examination of An Elderly In A Community 09:30: Floriculture

THURSDAY September 30 08:00:CNC Machines 12:00: Sanskrit Language Teaching Jyotir Vigyan -07 21:30: IGNOU: Regulating Cyber Space: A Medium, Technology or a Space Part-2