IGNOU awards 2 Lakh Certificates, Diplomas, Degrees at its 32nd Convocation: Over 947 UG and PG students gets their certificates in Port Blair

TMI Correspondent

New Delhi/ Port Blair, Apr 03: Indira Gandhi National Open University, the largest Open University in the world hosted its 32nd Convocation today at Baba Saheb Ambedkar Convention Centre, IGNOU Campus, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi. The University awarded 200,000 degrees, diplomas, and certificates in the Convocation to the successful students in their respective programmes. Gold medals were also awarded to over 70 meritorious students in the Convocation. Shri M Venkaiah Naidu, Honourabe Vice-President of India was the Chief Guest and delivered the 32nd Convocation Address on the occasion.

Similarly, the 32nd Convocation function of IGNOU was arranged at Port Blair in the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Auditorium and displayed the live programme of 32nd Convocation of IGNOU held in New Delhi in projector.

The gathering at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Auditorium witnessed the speech of Hon'ble Vice President, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu, while lauding the University's mission of 'democratization of education' and 'reaching the unreached' Shri M Venkaiah Naidu said that IGNOU has made knowledge acquisition accessible to many learners, who otherwise were unable to attend regular institutes of higher learning. Stressing the need for students to continuously learn to remain competitive in this ever-changing world, Vice President said, "Learning does not end with the acquisition of an educational degree. Learning is an ongoing process and you need to upgrade knowledge on a daily basis to face a highly competitive world. As you all are aware, India was once known as Vishwaguru and students from across the world used to come here and study in reputed learning centres like Takshashila."

He also urged the youngsters to re-establish India as a knowledge and innovation hub. And for that to happen, he said that we have to completely overhaul our higher education system to cater to the fast changing requirements of the 21st century in different sectors apart from remoulding the syllabi and pedagogy, the stress should be on learning-by-doing.

Speaking at the Convocation function held at Port Blair in the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Auditorium, Dr. Sibnarayan Dam Roy, Former Director, Principal Scientist & Head (Fish and Fisheries Science), CIARI, Port Blair as guest of honour, appreciated Regional Director of IGNOU for efforts in improving its reach to the every corner of the A&N Islands. He also appreciated the working section of students, who have studied alongwith working in their respective fields or organizations. He said, "Education is a liberating and democratizing force cutting across various classes for smoothening out inequality". "The quality teaching of IGNOU by distance learning, with significance to teach higher education and professional development of the people is now teaching about 3 million learners all over India", he added. He also congratulated the IGNOU students who were successfully completed their Diplomas, Degrees and has presented certificates to about 300 students present in the 32nd Convocation of IGNOU.

Earlier, Dr. S. Ganesan, Regional Director, IGNOU, Port Blair gave a detailed presentation of development since last one years. He said, over 49950 students are pursuing their studies in IGNOU from A&N Islands. He further informed that 24% of growth in Regional Port Blair in degree course since two years, and growth in fresh admissions in January cycle is 17% and 15% in July cycle, which shows the tremendous development of IGNOU in Port Blair Region. Apart from this, the process of admission, exam fees and other things made easy by online. Students friendly activities, like classes on demand and video classes for IGNOU students as well as other college students is getting good response from students. Dr. S. Ganesan further said, about 51 articles published in local newspapers based on studies and development of learners. Meanwhile, Dr. S. Ganesan presented mementos to the close associates of IGNOU and certificates to the NCC and NSS cadres of JNRM also presented on the occasion.

“IGNOU in my life” - By Grigist

The Regional Director IGNOU Port Blair, Dr. S. Ganesan by acknowledging the contribution of ‘The Mini India’ towards IGNOU activities in the region, presenting a memento as ‘IGNOU Associate’ in 32nd Convocation function held at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Auditorium on April 03, 2019.

“IGNOU in my life”

- By Grigist

Special thanks to Dr. S. Ganesan sir, Regional Director IGNOU Port Blair for inviting me to the grand 32nd Convocation of IGNOU and honouring with a wonderful memento.

I, being a product of IGNOU, would like to share a bit about myself that, "What is IGNOU University for me in my life".

So there was a time, when I almost decided not to continue my education after XII during 2004 and have joined ANC on those days before the declaration of the CBSE board results. Obviously, being a little good in studies, I have successfully completed XII, but I did not look to admission in colleges, and usually my work is going on in ANC as a DRM (Computer Operator).

My brother who was a graduate already, use to guide me many times to join degree colleges. But, I, being an observer around society, I have seen the problems of unemployment, especially highly qualified doing usual jobs, and least qualified are earning something to look after their respective families.

By observing all that, in reply, I use to explain my brother, why not I should do my work, work and work. Then, time has passed upto 2 years. Then, I have got two years experience of work, but my qualification still XII pass.

One that lucky day, this time my Brother brought out with prospectus of IGNOU and tried to convince me for further education in distance and he said, in dialogue "even fill it and submit or give it to me filled-in, dammed", angrily. But, 2 years are enough to make you disinterested on studies. Anyhow, I was agreed to do studies disinterestedly and done all the submission process offline, then, by me.

Finding usual in official language, I chose 'BA (English)', attended the Sunday classes of subjects in first year and became many friends over their in the classes, and lecturers taught us point to point strictly ordered 'No badhmashi'. Now that seem my study track came to normal and disinterested transformed into interested and completed my degree.

Then, started working for local dailies and learned more about the field. Thereafter, the next level of education was found as 'PGJMC' that too available in IGNOU, one can do after two years of experience in any media organization, so I have done it too. That's how my track of studying is back again. Now, I am pursuing MEG in IGNOU, and writing and publishing few poems in 'The Mini India'.

So, my dear friends, Education is a Power and Institution is a Tool, be prepared to welcome opportunity that any time can knock your Door.

(Hearty thanks to my Brother, IGNOU and Gurus)

Citizens corner 04/04/2019

• The political parties are playing like IPL teams these day. The players belongs to its original team are now joining other teams to play and win against its original team. Some BJP party members separately contesting the LS Elections and some INC member joins BJP. Like opportunists, changing teams for the benefit of themselves. Are they are trustworthy to get the support from voters? by this deed, how can one believe after winning the throne, they will work for the welfare of people.

• City shivered after double murder of two ladies which was committed for some Rs.22,000/- in a furniture showroom by two young murderers in the city last week. It is serious concern about peoples safety and security, and urging police to deal with iron hands and give maximum punish to such criminal. So that nobody can dare to commit such crimes in future. Even after the information from police, there are still many unanswered questions are there as, from where murderers have been nabbed? Is one can take two lives for mere Rs.20,000/-? Is it the actual reason behind or not?

• We are the Permanent Sanitary Workers in PBMC and have no knowledge of internet, net banking, email, etc. But our department is forcing us to use the term online. Now our department says, pay-slips will be sent to our email IDs despite we didn't have it. This month we got our salaries as 4000, others 6000 instead of our exact permanent salaries, says due to some reasons we are unable to understand. The authority should provide some training for us to make understand what is this email or internet.

Lok Sabha Elections-2019: Transportation of polling materials & EVMs to remote Islands begins

Port Blair, April 3: As part of preparations for the General Election-2019, polling materials and Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were transported by ships to different out stations viz, Campbell-bay, Nancowrie, Carnicobar and Little Andaman today to ensure that the polling materials reach at these stations well in advance. The polling materials and EVMs transported today will be stored in the Strong Rooms identified in the respective Tehsils from where the materials shall be distributed to the polling parties as per the schedule for each Tehsil, before the poll day. The polling materials and Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) meant for N&M Andaman District will be transported by ship tomorrow (April 4).

Holiday on Poll Day in isles

No. 78/2019 F/No.15-1/2018/GA Under the Explanation of Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881) read with the Govt. of India, Ministry of Home Affairs Notification No.2/6/57-J dated 17th December 1957, the Lt. Governor, A&N Islands has been pleased to declare the 11th April 2019 (Thursday) to be Public Holiday in the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands being the Poll Day for General Election to Lok Sabha in this UT.

CCS seizes 5 Lakhs

Port Blair, Apr 03: In order to ensure free and fair election, the Central Crime Station (CCS) is working vigorously to enforce the Model Code of Conduct. On 02.04.2019, during the early morning hours at around 1.30 a.m. police field checking team has found one person coming out from the Brookshabad Dhongighat with a bag in his hand. On seeing the police personnel, he immediately turned back in a suspicious manner. On checking an amount of cash Rs.5 Lakhs was found from his possession. He is a resident of 24 Pargana, West Bengal and presently residing at Brookshabad.

Elephant beach open, but Not for under water activities

Port Blair, April 03: This is in continuation of Circular No. 20-15/M&T/2013/888 dated 25th March, 2019 regarding the closure of Elephanta Beach at Swaraj Dweep for tourists.

1.            A committee has since been constituted to assess the safety norms being followed by the operators of water sports activities.

2.            As an interim measure, it has been decided that Elephanta beach be opened for activities like Jet ski, Banana ride, Glass bottom boat, boating, parasailing etc where citizens do not enter into the waters.

Activities like snorkeling, Scuba diving, sea walk i.e. under water activities shall continue to be closed till the safety norms being followed by the operators are assessed by the Committee.

Coop Bank warns against defamatory activities and spreading misinformation

Port Blair, Apr 03: The ANSCB said in a release that a group of people are circulating copy of the Show Cause notice issued by the Registrar of Cooperative Societies, A&N Administration bearing reference no. RCS/21-2/20/2018(Vol-III)/Part-V/212 dated 25.02.2019 under the caption "Biggest Scam in the history of Andaman at A & N State Coop. Bank Ltd" with an intent to cause damage to the reputation of the Bank.

"In this context it is to inform that the said Show Cause notice has been withdrawn by the Registrar of Cooperative Societies, A & N Administration in pursuance of the direction issued by the Hon'ble High Court of Calcutta at Port Blair on 08.03.2019 in the matter of W.P. No.079 of 2019 since being termed by the Hon'ble Court as "Classic case of issuance of a Show Cause notice with closed and prejudged mind". Hence, the doers of this defamatory act are severely warned for indulgence in such illegal and unauthorised activities and this Bank is at liberty to take suitable legal action against such miscreants for intentionally misguiding the Customers and General Public by circulating the Show Cause notice which has got no legal standing in the eyes of law," the release added.

ANC Decommissions Two Landing Craft Utility Ships

Port Blair, April 03: Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) decommissioned Indian Naval (IN) Landing Craft Utility (LCU) Ships, L-38 and L-39 today in a ceremony at Naval Wharf, Port Blair on March 30, 2019. The Ships have been decommissioned after 32 years of glorious service to the nation.

Commodore Ashutosh Ridhorkar, VSM, Naval Component Commander of ANC presided over the solemn decommissioning ceremony.  Several senior officers including previous and present Commanding Officers and crew of the Ships were also present on the occasion.

During the ceremony at sunset, as the light faded, the Commissioning Pennants, Naval Ensigns and National Flags of both the warships were lowered for the last time. The Naval Guard and Band played in unison to salute the flags and paid tribute to the ships. 

MK-III class of Landing Craft Utility Ships, IN LCU, L-38 and L-39 were built by Goa Shipyard. These Ships were commissioned into the Indian Navy on 10th December 1986 and 25th March 1987 respectively. Lieutenant commander SS Gill was the first commanding officer of LCU 38 and Lieutenant commander K Nair for LCU 39. With a compliment of 03 officers and 50 Sailors, the Ships have undertaken countless beaching operations, surveillance patrols and participated in several exercises in their 32 years of yeoman service.

As the last of the MK-III class of LCUs get decommissioned, next generation LCU MK-IV will replace them. Out of the 08 LCU MK IV planned to be inducted into the flotilla of ANC, 05 have been inducted and 03 more will be inducted shortly.

Decide the good; LS Election polling next week

EDITORIAL 04/04/2019

A good politician becomes the image of his creator. A good and responsible politician will give high regard for morality, law abiding with no tendencies to corrupt even a single cent or kobo. The greatest strength of good politicians is deriving joy in serving people and not to steal tax payer's money. They know that a fulfilling and meaningful life is created through service to others. To be an effective politician, your followers must have trust in you. And the very best way for a politician to build trust is to display good sense of characters and qualities composed of values, beliefs, traits and skills.

Another important quality of a good politician is integrity and technical skills to handle those challenging assignments, fiscal matters, policies, plans, projects, ideas and initiative solutions to problems. Integrity is consistency of actions, methods, measures, values, principles, expectations and outcomes. It is doing what is right, both legally and morally at all-time even when no one is looking. Since politicians play very significant roles in the administrative processes, especially having hands in thousands of important laws and policies to their communities and country, thereby they should be well-educated, modest, with experience in social welfare, volunteering or should have done some good work for the society. A good politician should be of a well discipline personality with selfless service to make live better for his people.

Winston Churchill described it as "the first of all human qualities because it is the quality which guarantees all others". According to Theodore Roosevelt, "the most successful politician is he who says what the people are thinking most often in the loudest voice".

There is no problem in this world without solutions. A good politician knows that simply giving consistent effort in the little task of services, social reforms, kindness or sacrifice in day-to-day life leads to true greatness of a nation. If all politicians make it a point of responsibility to develop and make life better for people in their units, wards, constituencies, states and regions-we will definitely have a great country.

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