Nagpur: Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) organised a one day orientation programme for its approved academic counsellors. Prof. Madhav Govind Vaidya, former chief editor of Tarun Bharat and well -known scholar was the chief guest. Prof Sabiha Vali, former head of the department of home science, RTM Nagpur University and Prof R P Thakre, former Professor of Botany, RTM Nagpur University were the guests of honour.
Around 30 Professors from RTM Nagpur University and various colleges of Nagpur and Gondia were the participants.
Dr P Sivaswaroop, IGNOU regional director in his welcome address shared IGNOU activities under Gyan Ganga to reach the underprivileged sections of the society. He said about IGNOU initiatives in Ganga Jamuna area for commercial sex workers, Nagpur Central Jail for prisoners, for Gadchiroli tribals and women in Yerla village. Prof M G Vaidya, who just completed 93 years addressed the gathering in chaste Marathi on variety of issues.
He said that education should also teach values to the students. Otherwise some Sakshar may become Rakshas which is observed frequently now a days. He said that culture means process of becoming good human being and religion means connecting with other people in the society. What we got from society, we have to give it back to the society for betterment of all human beings. He said that through education, one should become cultured. Prof Vaidya appreciated IGNOU, stating that in the society many people are deprived of education and IGNOU is doing a great job by providing education to such sections, like prisoners, commercial sex workers etc. He shared his experience that he taught Bhagwad Geeta to prisoners when he was in Tihar Jail during emergency time. He advised the participants to share their knowledge to others, which is called Sanskar and through this, values are developed.
Prof Sabiha Vali in her address stated that like distance learners, the academic counsellors also be self guided and self responsible then only they can do better service to students. She said that counsellors be approachable and active listeners.
Prof R P Thakre shared his experiences and said that one should be committed to the chosen activity. He opined that a sincere counsellor can motivate the learners very effectively. Practical activity on assignment valuation and writing comments was also held.
Prof K M Wath proposed vote of thanks. Dr Vikas Singhal, assistant regional director conducted the programme. Chandrashekhar Rajgure, Dileep Sonkusale, Y S Bhambulkar and other staff members contributed for success of the programme.
