KSOU playing key role in India’s Viksit Bharat goal: Karnataka Governor Gehlot

Mysuru: Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot said that Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) is playing a vital role in the higher education sector, and is contributing significantly to attain India's goal of 'Vikasit Bharath'.

He was speaking during the 21st annual convocation of the KSOU at its Convocation Hall, in Mysuru, on Saturday.

He said, "Breaking the limitations like age and place, KSOU is helping the people from different backgrounds to be learners. Amid the challenges of AI and digital revolution, when the nature of employment has changed, KSOU is assisting the people to develop skills to make them 'Aatmnirbhar' and help them contribute to 'Raashtra Nirman' - development of the nation".

The Governor congratulated 41,206 candidates who were conferred various degrees.

In his virtual convocation address, Union Minister of State for Education and Development of North Eastern Region Dr Sukanta Mujumdar, said, "The KSOU has played a transformative role in democratising higher education through open and distance learning (ODL) and online education. While education is the foundation for national development, this mode of education is a powerful instrument for inclusive growth and social transformation. This model is essential for building a knowledge-driven, skilled and self-reliant nation. Advances in digital technologies, widespread internet connectivity and the proliferation of smart devices have enabled education to move beyond the boundaries of traditional classrooms, making high-quality learning accessible to millions of learners across continents".

"ODL accounts for more than one-tenth of the total higher education enrolment in India, making it a pillar in achieving the NEP 2020 target of 50% GER (Gross Enrollment Ratio) by 2035. ODL is supporting reskilling and upskilling of the workforce. So, ODL institutions must evolve as innovation hubs, focusing not only on content delivery but also on employability and entrepreneurship to meet the demands of a dynamic global economy," he said.

Degrees were conferred to 10,623 candidates who appeared for the exams for the January 2021-22 cycle to January 2023-24 cycle; and 30,515 candidates who have passed in the academic years 2013-14 and 2014-15. Also, 65 gold medals and 62 cash prizes were awarded to the students. Sixty-eight candidates were awarded PhD degrees.

C T Ravi

BJP leader C T Ravi also bagged his PhD for his study on UPA and NDA coalition governments. "I researched for four years. I am an avid reader. Since I am into politics, I chose this topic to conduct the research," he said.

Eight people were conferred with honorary doctorates. They are: S Shivakumar of Harsha Institutions, Bengaluru; Satish Kumar D Kaggere, founder and secretary of Kids International School, Tumakuru; Brahmakumari Lakshmi of Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya, Mysuru; K B Lingaraju of Hebbalu Foundation, Mysuru; Bhashyam Swamiji of Sri Yoga Narasimha Swamy temple; Shivashankar Tokare, Bidar; B S Nagabhushana Atri, Hassan; and Dr C Somashekhara, Bengaluru.

KSOU Vice-Chancellor Sharanappa V Halase, Registrar (Evaluation) C S Anand Kumar, and Registrar S K Naveen Kumar were present.