Gangtok, February 16: Mr. G.M. Gurung, Minister for Human Resource Development Department attended the 19th convocation of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) as the Guest of Honour at its Regional Centre here.
The convocation was held simultaneously through teleconference in all the 38 regional centers in India headed by IGNOU head office in New Delhi. The live telecast of the programme from Delhi was aired which was presided by Mr.Hamid Ansari, Vice President of India as the Chief Guest.
Congratulating the students, Mr. Gurung said that Open University plays a vital role in providing education to all sections of the society. IGNOU, he added provides education at their doorsteps.
As most of the degree holders were teachers completing their B.Ed. Mr. Gurung said that they should be more qualified and be able to provide quality education to the students who are the builders of the nation. The Government of Sikkim has been providing in-service education programme to its employees and similarly the teachers are also being provided B.Ed degree from the University, he added. Mr. Gurung presented graduation certificates to 56 students.
The Regional Director, IGNOU Dr. Ila Das said that the motto of the University is to provide education to people residing at remote places and to school dropouts. She informed that till date 556 students have graduated from the centre and Sikkim has seven study centers with three coming up shortly. The university provides distance education not confined to class rooms through correspondence education in rural areas as well as the urban, she added.
The programme was also attended by the Principal, Government College Tadong, Lecturers and the officials from the concerned department.