Mysore/Mysuru: “Open University has catered to the needs of those who are deprived of higher education due to their inability to continue their education in colleges,” opined Prof. N.K. Lokanath, Vice-Chancellor (VC), University of Mysore (UoM), while speaking at a function to celebrate the Foundation Day of Karnataka State Open University (KSOU), organised at its Convocation Hall recently.

“Many have been deprived of higher education for various reasons. Open University is catering to the needs of such people for the last 27 years. It is said that at the time of starting the UoM, the erstwhile Maharaja of Mysore had wished that education should reach the doorsteps of all people. Distance education has fulfilled his wish,” added Prof. Lokanath.

Observing that hunger for knowledge is on the rise, the VC said that this has increased the number of students and also the need of more educational centres.

“It is because of this reason, the second University (KSOU) has been set up in Mysuru. KSOU was started 27 years ago and it has grown as a premier educational institution. It has recently received A++ grade from National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), which is proof for KSOU’s quality education and development,” said  Prof. Lokanath.

“KSOU is celebrating its Foundation Day after providing educational service and it is also time to review the past, recall the highs and lows and think about the future. Efforts should be made to bring all those who have studied in KSOU and are now in good positions, under one roof and seek suggestions and cooperation from them for further development of KSOU,” the VC suggested.

“Students of Open University will do their own study, there will be no classrooms and guidance from teachers and are hence capable of facing challenges in educational and professional fields. In Universities, however, teaching and non-teaching staff play an important role,” he added.

“KSOU should work towards increasing learning opportunities and make good use of available opportunities. Online courses which have been started from the current year should reach more people. Let KSOU move in the path of success,” wished Prof. Lokanath.

KSOU VC Prof. Sharanappa V. Halse, Registrar (Administration) K.L.N. Murthy, Registrar (Examinations) Prof. K.B. Praveena, Education Head Prof. N. Lakshmi, Finance Officer Dr. Khader Pasha, Study Centre Head Prof. Ramanatham Naidu, Internal Quality Valuation Centre’s Director Dr. S. Niranjanraj and others were present.