The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) marked its 40th Foundation Day at the Babasaheb Ambedkar Convention Centre, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi on Wednesday.In her address, Prof. Uma Kanjilal congratulated the university community and outlined IGNOU’s focus on expanding access to higher education through the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) system.
According to an official statement, IGNOU is aligning its programmes with the National Education Policy (NEP) through modular and flexible learning routes. The Vice-Chancellor also referenced recent initiatives, including the expansion of micro-credential courses, collaborations with ministries, international partnerships, ICT training for teachers under the China–Shenzhen programme, the machine translation initiative with IIT-Udaan, and the CII Career Edge programme to enhance industry linkages. She noted the signing of a new MoU with CISCO during the event.
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A key development during the event was the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding between IGNOU and CISCO. The agreement will facilitate globally recognized online courses and certifications in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, networking, and emerging technologies. According to an official statement, the initiative aims to strengthen digital workforce readiness and offer learners access to industry-oriented skills.
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Several new initiatives were announced as part of the Foundation Day proceedings. These included the launch of a special postal cover by India Post, a short film titled IGNOU – 40 Years of Excellence in Higher Education, and the BISAG-N Virtual Education System. IGNOU also introduced a new set of micro-credential courses and announced a collaboration with GIZ on programmes titled “Unpacking Data” and “Unpacking AI.” The CII Career Edge Academy, CISCO NetAcad Centre of Excellence at the IGNOU campus, and a new publication titled IGNOU at 40 were also unveiled. The event concluded with the distribution of awards to the best-performing units, schools, divisions, regional centres, and programmes.
Additionally, Col Akhilesh Kumar Pandey, Chief Postmaster General, Delhi Circle, addressed the gathering and acknowledged the release of a special postal cover commemorating IGNOU’s 40-year journey. According to an official statement, the Department of Posts expects the cover to support ongoing outreach activities, including study material distribution.
