Vice President C P Radhakrishnan lauded IGNOU at its 39th convocation as a pillar of India’s open and distance learning, highlighting its transformative role in higher education since 1985. Serving over three million students, IGNOU offers flexible, affordable programs, with 58% of graduates at the ceremony being women.

New Delhi: Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Tuesday described the Indira Gandhi National Open University, or IGNOU, as a pillar of India's open and distance learning ecosystem and said it is "an institution that has played a transformative role in expanding higher education in the country".

He was speaking as the chief guest at the 39th convocation of IGNOU, held at its Baba Sahib Ambedkar Convention Centre in Maidan Garhi.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu was the guest of honour.

"IGNOU's journey since 1985 has been truly remarkable. It has extended learning opportunities to all sections, including working individuals, students in remote and rural areas, financially disadvantaged learners, and women," the Vice President said.