Srinagar, Apr 7: Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) today held its 39th Convocation for Jammu & Kashmir at Government Dental College Srinagar.
Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-Kashmir,i Nazir Ahmad Ganie, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir and Commissioner Secretary, Government of J&K Saurabh Bhagat were present on the occasion. A total of 344 degrees were conferred to learners during the regional function, while10,989 students received degrees overall from the Srinagar Regional Centre.
On the occasion, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST K Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai said that education must transcend the narrow pursuit of employment and instead focus on enlightenment, adaptability, and service to society.
Addressing students during the ersity, Prof Ganai lauded the resilience of distance learners, describing them as a “rare breed” who balance academic pursuits with personal and professional responsibilities. While the main Convocation function was held in New Delhi, IGNOU regional centre Srinagar organised a function at Government Dental College Srinagar to celebrate 39th convocation and award degrees to the students.
VC SKUAST-K congratulated the graduating students and said their achievement was not easy, as distance education demands perseverance and discipline.
“You studied between work shifts, submitted assignments at midnight, and fulfilled roles as parents and earners. That alone makes you extraordinary,” he said.
He further highlighted the growing relevance of open and distance learning and termed IGNOU a “democratic revolution in education.”
He said IGNOU has vast outreach to marginalized sections including defence personnel, homemakers, working professionals, and differently-abled individuals.
“It has dissolved barriers of geography and circumstance, bringing higher education within reach of millions,” he added.
Ganai said that in an era shaped by artificial intelligence, digital economies, and climate challenges, the knowledge acquired by students is “valuable but not sufficient.”
He stressed the need for continuous learning, urging graduates to “learn, unlearn and relearn” to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world.
“The half-life of skills is shrinking due to technological advancements. Your greatest competitive advantage is not your degree, but your adaptability,” he said.
He quoted Albert Einstein’s idea that education is about training the mind to think rather than memorizing facts.
Challenging the notion of education as merely a pathway to employment, Ganai emphasized its broader purpose.
“If we reduce education to economic gain, we diminish its essence. True education cultivates wisdom, compassion, and a sense of responsibility towards society,” he said.
In his address he also talked about the achievements of SKUAST-Kashmir saying the varsity has emerged as a leading innovation-driven institution, securing 117 patents in the past four years and ranking among the top agricultural universities in the country.
He said that each innovation represents a solution to real-world challenges faced by farmers and communities.
He also highlighted the university’s role in transforming agriculture in Jammu and Kashmir through initiatives like the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme, aimed at shifting farming from subsistence to a sustainable economic model.
He called upon students to act as responsible citizens and urged them to address pressing global challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation, and social inequality.
Referring to Kashmir’s fragile ecosystem, he stressed the need for sustainable practices and environmental consciousness.
“The Himalayas, lakes, and forests are not just landscapes; they are our legacy. Protecting them is not optional—it is a responsibility,” he said.
Encouraging students to contribute towards building a progressive society, Ganai said the true measure of education lies in character, integrity, and service.
“The world does not need more degree holders but individuals with depth of knowledge, character, and commitment to the common good,” he added.
He also urged for collective efforts to transform J&K into a model region, not only in economic terms but also in education, wisdom, and humanity, aligning with the nation’s vision of becoming a developed country by 2047.
Commissioner Secretary Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCSCA) department Saurabh Bhagat said IGNOU has played a transformative role in democratising education by making learning accessible to people across age groups, professions, and geographies. Bhagat described the institution as a “huge educational revolution” since its establishment in 1985.
He said the open university system has enabled not only students in the conventional age group but also working professionals, retirees, homemakers, persons with disabilities, and even prison inmates to pursue education at their convenience.
