India needs to strive hard for quality education for all. Mr. Jitin Prasad, Hon’ble Minister of State, HRD, GOI told this at the inaugural session of 3 day International conference on “Dissiminating Learning, Diminishing Borders-ODL in 21st Century” organized by Indian Distance Education Association (IDEA) in collaboration with the Directorate of Distance Education, Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad at its Gachibowli Campus. He also told that since India is a huge country with largest population to provide education, we have serious problems in terms of infrastructures, quality teachers and other facilities. In this scenario, Open and Distance Learning (ODL) could be a viable source to provide education to each nook and corner of the country.
Prof. Murly Manohar, president IDEA, gave a brief discription about the Distance learning in India, opportunities and challenges. He told that India has currently 11 per cent educational growth rate, but still we are facing challenges to get high quality research. We need to recognize sustainable educational system.
Nizamabad Member of Parliament, Madhu Yashki Goud, was also present in the conference. He said that he represents the Nizamabad constituency that has 20 % minority population. The MP requested the VC to open a study center in his constituency and he offered all the assistance possible to set up the center. He further said that Urdu is a sweet language and expressed his desire to learn Urdu language.
In presidential address, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Mohammad Miyan averred the mandate of MANUU that is promotion of Urdu language, imparting professional and technical education through Urdu medium and promoting women education. Prof. Miyan mentioned the benefits of ODL and expressed his plan to set up new centers, Urdu medium schools, girls school and Distance regional centers in different part of the country.
The IDEA reforms booklet was released by Shri Jitin Prasad, Hon’ble Minister MOS, HRD. The souvenir of the conference was released by Prof. Mohd Miyan, the Vice Chancellor of MANUU.
Prof. K R Iqbal Ahmad, Director, Directorate of Distance Education, MANUU, presented the welcome note. The conference commenced with the recitation of Quranic verses by Syed Amman Ali, and vote of thanks was given by conference secretary Dr. N I Mulla.The programme was convened by Dr. Gulfishan Habeeb.