12-01-2026 : Address by the Hon’ble Governor at the Tenth Convocation Ceremony of Uttarakhand Open University.

Jai Hind!

It gives me immense happiness, pride, and deep inner satisfaction to be present among you all at the Tenth Convocation Ceremony of Uttarakhand Open University.

Today’s auspicious occasion is not only about the conferment of degrees, but also a sacred moment of initiation into knowledge, values, resolve, and nation-building. On this dignified occasion, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all the graduating students, their proud parents, the dedicated teachers, and the entire university family.

With the flexibility provided in its academic programmes, many students have been able to pursue higher education while fulfilling their professional commitments, family responsibilities, and other obligations. I am pleased that Uttarakhand Open University has truly lived up to its motto, “Higher Education at Your Doorstep,” by reaching students in remote areas, rural regions, economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and the working population.

It is a matter of pride that Uttarakhand Open University is not only the first university in the state to implement the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP), but that its recognition by NCVET and its progress towards obtaining “12-B” status establish it as a strong and comprehensive institution.

In today’s digital era, this university has transcended geographical boundaries. Through the SWAYAM platform, more than 2,06,000 learners from over 60 countries have already connected with us. Advanced programmes in cyber security, digital forensics, and web technology are proof that the university is well prepared for future challenges.

Friends,

At present, many students face difficulties in continuing higher education due to their responsibilities and circumstances. Individuals who are engaged in jobs or self-employment can continue their education through an open university to upgrade their skills and acquire higher qualifications. Such “earners and learners,” through distance education, can move beyond under-employment and achieve new levels of progress.

The open education system, especially distance education, is both a need of the hour and a powerful expression of social justice. It is leading a silent revolution in the field of education. It has proved that learning has no age, no limits, and no geographical barriers.

The open education system has taken education to those who, for various reasons, were deprived of mainstream education. For youth living in remote rural areas, the working population, service-sector employees, women, persons with disabilities, and soldiers, this system has emerged as a strong ray of hope. For those who could not pursue regular education due to family responsibilities, economic conditions, or employment, open education offers a new opportunity in life.

Especially in our hilly and remote rural regions, where access to educational institutions remains a challenge, distance education can become a powerful instrument of social change. By establishing effective study centres and examination centres in these areas, access to education—particularly for rural women and girls—can be ensured, enabling our maternal power, which guides families and society, to contribute even more to nation-building.

The difficult period of the COVID-19 pandemic taught us that, regardless of circumstances, education must not stop. During that crisis, online and digital education not only ensured academic continuity but also transformed our way of thinking. This experience was not temporary; it laid the foundation for the future education system. That phase made it clear that distance and digital education are no longer options, but necessities.

Friends,

The progress of any nation is determined by how inclusive, flexible, and forward-looking its education system is. Today, technology has become a new instrument of equality. Through innovation, we must empower our population—especially those at the lowest rungs of society—and ensure that education reaches even the most deprived. Digital universities and other e-learning initiatives are steps taken in this very direction.

If we wish to establish India as a knowledge-based economic superpower, a fundamental transformation in our education system is essential. The National Education Policy 2020 is a significant step towards reforming our education and skill ecosystem. Through NEP, the goal has been set to establish India as a “Global Knowledge Superpower.”

The Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of “Viksit Bharat @2047” is a great source of inspiration for all of us. In achieving this proud goal, the intellect of our youth, the commitment of educational institutions, and the role of innovation will be crucial.

Today, there is a need to make research an integral part of our culture, so that our students become not merely job seekers, but job creators and solution providers. When knowledge, technology, and youth power converge, India will once again be established as a Vishwaguru—a teacher to the world—on the global stage.

As we enter the era of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, the open education system can bring unprecedented transformation in education. AI-based teaching methodologies can offer learning opportunities tailored to individual student capabilities. Multilingual study material, virtual classrooms, smart evaluation systems, and digital resources together can make education more effective, accessible, and outcome-oriented.

I firmly believe that if we advance the open education system with innovation, technology, and social responsibility, it can bring a real revolution in education. It will not only strengthen the resolve of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India), but also give true expression to the mantra of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas.”

On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor. His notable contribution to Hindi language and literature is commendable. I am confident that under his leadership, this institution will achieve new heights in the field of open and distance education and that the light of education will reach even the last person standing in society.

This convocation ceremony is not the end of education, but the beginning of lifelong learning. Wherever you may be, and whatever you do, make “Nation First” the core mantra of your life. I am confident that through your knowledge, skills, and values, you will contribute to the building of a developed Uttarakhand and a developed India.

Let us all take a pledge together to take education from a right to an opportunity, and from opportunity to empowerment. When education reaches every individual, only then will India truly become a knowledge superpower.

With these best wishes, I wish you all a bright and successful future.

Jai Uttarakhand!
Jai Hind!