On 38th foundation day of IGNOU, alumni reflect on transformative journey

Srinagar, Nov 19: On the occasion of the 38th Foundation Day of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), various alumni of the National Open University who were invited at the function recalled their days with IGNOU.

While the main event was organised in New Delhi, the Regional Centre Srinagar organised the event at Government College for Women, MA Road Srinagar.
Waseem Qadri, a senior executive at JK Bank posted at corporate office, expressed gratitude for IGNOU's MCA program, which allowed him to pursue a professional course without leaving Kashmir. Highlighting IGNOU's impact in the valley, Qadri recalled his journey 25 years ago.
He recalled that after completing his bachelor’s degree, he wanted to opt for a professional course at PG level but moving out of Kashmir was not feasible due to various reasons and he recalled that IGNOU started offering MCA course.

“It was first time in Valley that admission in MCA was offered by IGNOU. That time MCA was not in offered at KU. I am highly indebted to IGNOU as it fulfilled my dream of pursuing professional course without going out from Valley,” he said.
Barieq Manzoor, who secured a gold medal in 2020 and topped nationally in BBA, praised IGNOU for not only providing education but also addressing real-life challenges. She credited IGNOU for enabling her to support her family while completing her degree.

“I am thankful to IGNOU as I could serve my parents while I completed by BBA. I got employed and I am earning now as well and whole credit goes to IGNOU,” she said. She said IGNOU was a better educational platform for people and it depends on people how to use it. “IGNOU provides us everything and we should be smart to take advantage of the facilities they offer,” she said.

Syed Muarif Andrabi, presently Deputy Director in the State Motor Garages Department, credited IGNOU for shaping his career after transitioning from an engineering background to an administrative role. He emphasized that IGNOU is a valuable asset for both privileged and underprivileged individuals.
“I was from an engineering background but got appointed at administrative post. To hone my administrative skills, I applied for Masters in Public Administration course through IGNOU. The decision really proved fruitful for me and I can say that IGNOU shaped my professional life,” he said.

Andrabi said IGNOU gives wings to fly and the university was an asset for our country. Regional Director of IGNOU Srinagar, Dr. Shahnawaz Dar in his address highlighted IGNOU's role in democratizing higher education, providing access to quality education irrespective of demographics, and promoting distance education.
Established on November 19, 1985, IGNOU has achieved the highest A Grade accreditation by NAAC.

The Srinagar Regional Centre, operational since February 1999, has expanded its reach in Kashmir and Ladakh, boasting 46 Learner Support Centres and over 300 academic counselors. Enrollments have surpassed 50,000, offering around 300 programs from certificates to postgraduate levels.
“Recognized for its contribution, the Higher Education department of the Government of J&K involves IGNOU Srinagar in planning, policy-making, and increasing the Gross Enrollment in Higher Education,” Dr Shahnawaz Dar said.

He said the regional centre Srinagar is actively engaged in national projects, including the e-VidyaBharti initiative, SAATHE Mitra, and contributing to the Azadi ka Amrit Mahautsav and Swachhta Campaign.
He said that IGNOU Regional Centre Srinagar was set up in February 1999 and started functioning from one room of the Department of Commerce at University of Kashmir with four Study Centres, 14 programmes and an enrolment of around 1,000 students.

He said the e-VidyaBharti Project, under the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), GOI, offers Tele-education services through internet-based web portals. Under this initiative, IGNOU is one of the HEIs identified for the e-VBAB project.
“2618 learners have registered in 43 programmes at various levels ranging from the Certificate to PG degree level. The learners from 19 African countries under this prestigious project have been allotted to RC Srinagar for the programmes of CFN and DECE,” he said.

He said that for the past 24 years IGNOU Srinagar continues to play a pivotal role in the Human Resource Development of Kashmir and Ladakh.
The event was also attended by the Principal GCW MA Road Srinagar Prof. Ruhi Jan Kant, Assistant regional Director IGNOU Srinagar centre Dr. Mudasir and other staff members, Coordinators of IGNOU.