The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) established by on Act of Parliament in 1985 for providing access to education at the doorstep throughout the country has become one of the mega Varsities of the world with 1200 programmes and courses. Sixteen lakhs students are being imparted education in various diploma, degree and post graduate courses including MBA, covering all aspects of human knowledge and activity.
The University has recognised Bharateeya Institute of Advanced Study and Research, functioning under Bharateeya Vichara Kendram as an independently operating ?Student Support Centre? for MBA Programme in Banking and Finance.
Inaugurating the Study Centre on December 9, 2007 at the BVK'sSanskrithi Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram, IGNOU Vice-Chancellor Dr V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai said the U.S.P. of BVK was its emphasis on Bharatiya culture, values and traditions. ?Just like BVK, IGNOU, considers that the purpose of education is to improve the quality of life and life management system. Apart from importing education in the non-conventional method, IGNOU is using its satellite network to improve the capacity of teachers. It is also improving education infrastructure in rural areas through the use of modern technology for development of society. IGNOU aims at enhancing quality of teaching/learning process and quantity of persons getting education. IGNOU'sstudy materials are being used by various developed and Third World countries. A total of 33 African countries are also using our curriculum. It has the largest satellite based education hub in Asia,? he said, hopping that BVK will bring education revolution in Kerala based on Bharatiya samskaras.
Delivering his presidential speaker, Shri P. Parameswaran, director of BVK, said the positive response from varsities have bestowed a great honour and responsibility on him. ?The aims of BVK, for introducing a Bharatiya concept in education, has been realised by the approval given to it by IGNOU, a milestone on the pilgrimage to Bharatiya values in knowledge. The auguries are very good for BVK in its 25th year of existence. Only a few months back, the Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati University of Ajmer, Rajasthan, gave approval to BVK for conducting Phd programmes in seven subjects including history, politics, economics, management, etc.
?From times immemorial Bharat has been the seeking ground of all researchers, the favourite destination being Nalanda and Taxashila. I am happy that under Dr Rajasekharan Pillai'sleadership the IGNOU is rebuilding Nalanda.
?Change is nature'slaw, but our motto should be to face challenges and use opportunities. We have to acquire through varied education and knowledge qualities to overcome threats to our culture, traditions and values. We have to educationally, technologically, culturally equip ourselves to become world leaders in education. The time tested Bharatiya thought process and management techniques should be showcased to the world. This gives emphasis to both spiritual and material wealth, which is the eternal value for a changing society?, he exhorted.
Regional director of IGNOU, Dr M. Shanmugham and leading management consultant Dr R. Suresh Mohan offered felicitations. Dr Purushothaman Nair, director of BIASR, welcomed and Dr Jayaprasad, secretary of BVK, proposed vote of thanks.
