Indira Gandhi National Open University

IGNOU has achieved the distinction of becoming the largest University in the world with 1.4 million students on its rolls. With the increase in the number of students, the number of academic courses on offer also went up to 125. The IGNOU student services network now has over 1400 Study Centres coordinated by 58 Regional Centres and 6 Sub Regional Centres.

1989
Feb	First Convocation was held and over a 1000 learners were awarded their Diplomas.

1990
May	Prof. V.C. Kulandai Swamy took over as second Vice-Chancellor.
	IGNOU appeared in the international scene with the first joint COL-IGNOU Training Programme for Distance Educators from India, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

1991
Jan	AIR started broadcasting IGNOU programmes from Bombay and Hyderabad.
May	Doordarshan started beaming IGNOU's video programmes.

1992
Feb	IGNOU's Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates were commended by the UGC as being equivalent to those of other universities in the country.
Mar	The Distance Education Council (DEC) started functioning from IGNOU for coordination and determination of standards of distance education systems in the country.

1993
May	In the international arena, the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), Canada designated IGNOU as a Centre of Excellence in Distance Education.
Aug	The Staff Research & Training Institute in Distance Education (STRIDE), with support from COL, was established for development of human resources in distance education.

1994
	IGNOU manifested its presence in the national educational scene with the proposal for a joint IGNOU-ISRO project for establishing a one-way video, two-way audio teleconferencing network and the establishment of audio-teleconferencing facility connecting all Regional Centres and 3 State Open Universities with IGNOU headquarters in 1994.
Feb	The Anuvrat International Trust endowed Rs. 7 lakhs for organising Annual Lectures on "Non- violence, Unity and Peace".
May	MOU with COL for 100 Rajiv Gandhi Fellowships for IGNOU learners from the Commonwealth countries in Asia, Africa, South America and the Pacific region.
July	IGNOU Study Centre at Tihar Jail inaugurated.

1995
Jan	Prof. Ram G. Takwale took over as third Vice-Chancellor.
Oct	Prof. U.R. Anantha Murthy delivered the first Anuvrat Lecture on the topic "The Relevance of Mahatma Gandhi: A Writers' Perspective".

1996
July	First Prof. G.Ram.Reddy Memorial Lecture was delivered in memory of IGNOU's founding Vice- Chancellor
	The International Cell was operationalized in mid 1996 with the task of promoting the academic programmes of IGNOU outside the country by establishing bilateral and multi-lateral cooperation and exchanges at the international level. IGNOU's Act was amended to enable the establishment of Study Centres outside India and to conduct its academic programmes through the distance mode.

1997
January	Inaguration of Sanchar Kendra (EMPC) by Prime Minister of India, His Excellency Shri H.D. Devegowda
	Prime Minister of Trinidad & Tobago, His Excellency Shri Basdev Pandav visited visited the University
February	Shri Nani A. Palkiwala delivered the Second Anuvrat Trust Endowment Lecture on "Role of Destiny in our Life"
March	8th Convocation was held at New Delhi and simultaneously at 16 Regional Centre via teleconference. Prof Madhu Dandavate, Vice-Chairman, UGC was the Chief Guest . 16,150 learners were awarded degrees, diplomas and certificates. 22 learners were awarded gold medals
	CEMCA in collaboration with EMPC-IGNOU organised a three day workshop on "Presentation Techniques for Educational Broadacasters"
	The Political Science Faculty of School of Social Sciences organised a Video Symposium on Human Rights at EMPC Studios. The Symposium was inagurated by Justice Ranganath Misra and was presided over by Prof. Ram Takwale.
April	School of Management conducted a National Conference on Networking for Management Education
	STRIDE conducted a five day workshop on development of self-instructional materials for teachers of Institute of Distance Education, University of Mumbai
May	EMPC conducted a three day workshop for course writers of PG Diploma in Videography and the Post Graduate Diploma Programme in Video Editing at Pune.
	Signing ceremony of the Distance Education Project in Seychelles in collaboration with the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation
	Computer Division and School of Computer and Information Sciences jointly organised 8 months long training under IT-TRAP (IT-TRaining & APplication) operation. The training was organised totaly in-house for entire IGNOU Staff at headquarters and also for Regional Centres staff in different batches. The eight months long had four batches each day and every month for one and half an our duration.
July	Dr. Wichit Srisa-an, Suranaree University of Technology, Thailand delivered the second G. Ram Reddy Memorial Lecture on "Making Distance Education Borderless". The lecture was telecast live globally via DD-International
	RC Guwahati also organised a Memorial Lecture at IGNOU Study Centre, Guwahati University
	EMPC-IGNOU conducted a workshop on script development for Distance Learning by for faculty members of different open universities
	STRIDE organised a Training of Trainers workshop for 15 participants working CCIs/OUs on Self Instructional Material development
August	The Parliament of India passed IGNOU Act amendment (Statute 29 "Extension of IGNOU programmes abroad") ensuring the establishment of the university study centres outside India. MoUs with Partner Institutions in 5 countries
September	Seminar on Systems Approach to Training at MHOW conducted by ARTRAC & IGNOU
October	Three day International workshop on "Training of Professionals through Distance Education: Issues of Technology and Networking" held under the auspices of the South Asia Forum for Distance Education for Development. Senior Distance Educators from 6 South Asian Countries participated
November	IGNOU -Partner Institutions meet conducted at New Delhi
December	MoU signed between IGNOU and Construction Industry Development Council

1998
January	Eight months long IT-Training under IT-Trap Operation was completed jointly by Computer Division and School of Computer and Information Sciences.
Feb	An International Conference on Collaborative and Networked Learning was held at IGNOU and a Web Meeting was held via cyberspace.
March	The Human Rights Project organised a two-day Workshop in collaboration with the Centre for Extension Education from March 25 to March 26, 1998. The purpose of the Workshop was to explore the possibilities of networking with NGOs in providing human rights education.
Mar, April & July	STRIDE organised a regional workshop on Self Instructional Material Development for the faculty of Open Universities and Correspondence Institutions in the northern region, in collaboration with Kurukshetra University, in April with Osmania University and in July with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University.
July	Prof. A.W. Khan took over as fourth Vice-Chancellor
	Prof. N.R. Arthnayake, Vice-Chancellor, Open University of Sri Lanka delivered the third Prof. G. Ram Reddy Memorial Lecture on "Profile of a 21st Century Distance Teacher -A Developing World Paradigm." at EMPC
	School of Health Sciences conducted a Workshop on Distance Education in Collaboration with Manipal Academy of Higher Education.
August	MoU with ACT Ministries, a Bangalore based NGO, and School of Health Sciences, IGNOU to develop and launch a Certificate Programme in Health and Environment for paramedicals and matriculates
September	MoU with Commonwealth Secretariat for Commonwealth Youth Programmes
	STRIDE organised a three week programme on Self Instructional Material Development for the faculty of the Open University of Sri Lanka.
	Letter of Agreement was signed between Department of Personnel and Training, Govt. of India and IGNOU
	STRIDE in collaboration with EMPC, organised training of trainers programmes on 'distance learning methodology' and 'media in distance education' for the senior faculty and officers of Central and State Training Institutions, sponsored by DOPT, Govt. of India
October	The School of Humanities organised the third Anuvrat Lecture at India International Centre. Prof. Bhalchandra Nemade delivered a lecture on 'Nativism and Modernity'
	The School of Continuing Education conducted teleconferencing for the 'Women's Empowerment Programme' prepared in collaboration with the Deptt. of Women and Child Development and MHRD. Hon'ble Sh. Murli Manohar Joshi, Union Minister, MHRD participated.
November	STRIDE organised a one-week programme on distance education for senior faculty and officers of Open University of Sri Lanka.
	DEC organised a national seminar on Quality Assurance in Higher Education in collaboration with AIU and Delhi University.
December	A Letter of Agreement was signed between DOPT, Govt. of India and IGNOU. STRIDE, in collaboration with EMPC, organised training of trainers programmes on 'development of self-instructional training package' and 'development of audio and video training packages' for the senior faculty and officers of central and state government training institutions, sponsored by DOPT, Govt. of India.
	MoU with School of Health Sciences, IGNOU and Academy of Hospital Administration, a professional body, to develop and launch a Postgraduate Diploma Programme in Hospital and Health Management for both medical and non-medical graduates

1999
Jan.	The School of Sciences conducted a UNESCO-sponsored workshop for teachers from Sheruvfuse College, Bhutan on 'Innovative ways of Teaching and learning Science'.
	A two day Brainstorming Session on IGNOU Student Support Services was held at Jamia Hamdard Convention Centre, New Delhi
	IGNOU in collaboration with NIEPA, UNESCO, NCERT, NCTE and MHRD organised an Asian Regional Conference on 'Learning : The Treasure Within'. A virtual conference was held as a curtain-raiser at EMPC
March	The Commonwealth of Learning, (COL) conferred upon IGNOU the 'Award of Excellence for Distance Education Material' (CPA) for the course titled 'Education and Training of Elected Members of Panchayats through Distance Mode
	The School of Humanities organised a National Seminar on "Language , Literature and Communication"
April	"Bal Pustakalya", a Library for children has been set up in the housing complex at Maidan Garhi, IGNOU
May	The faculty of Hindi, School of Humanities organised a workshop on Radio Writing from May 20-24, 1999
July	Prof. Ian Mugridge delivered the 4th Prof. G. Ram Reddy Memorial Lecture on "Quality Assurance in Open and Distance Education" at EMPC, IGNOU. Prof. Ian Mugridge is the former Director (Programmes), of the Commonwealth of Learning
August	The School of Management Studies, under the aegis of AIMS-CCMS-CIDA, organised a workshop on "Empowering Women though Enterprise"
	Mahatma Gandhi Vidyalaya was established at the University's main campus in Maidan Garhi. The school was inaugurated by Ms. Vibha Parthasarathy, Chairperson, National Commission for Women
September	Shri Maharaj Krishen Kaw, Secretary, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Human Resource Development, inaugurated the Satellite Earth Station
November	The School of Sciences organised the "UNESCO Regional Training Course in University Science Teaching"
	The International Conference on Disaster Management: Cooperative Networking in South Asia was organised by the faculty of Public Administration, School of Social Sciences from November 28-30, 1999
December	Centre for Extension Education organised a workshop on "Parents Awareness in Primary Schooling"
	The 4th Anuvrat lecture was organised by the School of Social Sciences. H H the Dalai Lama addressed the gathering and spoke on "Compassion: The Basis for Non- Violence"

2000
January	Prof. Murli Manohar Joshi,Minister of Human Resources Development, Government of India, launched the national educational channel Gyan Darshan
February	IGNOU participated in the "World Book Fair" at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
April	IGNOU-AIR FORCE Educational project was launched under a single window operation scheme on 22.4.2000. The 7th Annual Conference of the Indian Distance Education Association (IDEA) was organised by IGNOU on April 27-29, 2000 at New Delhi.
July	Prof. Chandrasekhar Rao delivered the G. Ram Reddy Memorial Lecture at the IGNOU Headquarter MoU with Maruti Udhyog for setting up ‘Vidyavahini’ – a Maruti-IGNOU education project.
August	IGNOU decided to provide reservation upto 3% for physically handicapped persons in recruitment/appointment to academic posts and non-academic posts. Indira Gandhi National Open University has been conferred the National HRD Award for outstanding contribution in the field of Human Resource Development in the country by the National HRD Network, a body of professionals and practitioners on August 19, 2000.
September	The IGNOU – Navy Educational Project has been initiated by signing an MOU with Indian Navy on September 23, 2000. Prof. Abdul Waheed d Khan, the Vice-Chancellor of the University left IGNOU for COL, Canada The Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India offered 100 scholarships for the learners of South Asian countries to enable them to carry out their studies
	Under a scheme to offer two to four short-term Visiting Fellowships to Distance Education Professionals working in Asian Open Universities for carrying out a small project connected with the promotion and development of Distance Education, for the year 2000, Four Professionals from Open University, Hong Kong, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran, Open University, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh Open University, Bangladesh were awarded the fellowships. A New Regional Centre has been established in Ranchi, the Capital of newly created state-Jharkhand on EIL for construction of second phase of campus construction. MOU with University.

2001
January	Gyan Darshan became 24 hour channel
February	Seminar on 'Australia in a Changing World'
	International Workshop on Information & Communication Technologies for Professional development of Primary Education Personnel
	Asgar Ali Engineer delivered Anuvrat Trust Endowment lecture
March	Twelfth Convocation
	UNESCO Regional Training Workshop on the use of electronic media in distance science teaching
April	Fire Safety Week
May	MoU between DEC-IGNOU and NCTE
June	IGNOU welcomes Prof.H.P.Dikshit as the new Vice-Chancellor
July	Prof. H.Ian Macdonald delivered sixth G.Ram Reddy Memorial Lecture
	Prof. Dikshit led Indian delegation for UMIOR
	India to hold Deputy Chair of UMIOR for a period of two years
August	MoU with Prasar Bharati
	North East Film Festival
	Round Table on Training Programmes in Distance Science Education begins
	IGNOU-UNESCO chair organised international workshop
	New initiatives in NE
	Fifth National Conference of New Public Administration Society of India
	MoU with Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS)
	Governor, Mizoram visited the University
September	Submission of Examination Forms went online
October	MoU with DW,Germany
November	Gyan Vani FM, Allahabad inaugurated
	Inauguration of E-Journal
	International Colloquium on 'Emerging Scenario in Open and Distance Learning
December	Task Force suggestions approved by the Vice-Chancellor in streamlining student support services at the University HQ
	National Commission for SC and ST visited IGNOU
	UNESCO Regional Training Workshop on Use of Electronic Media in University Science Teaching
	MoU with NEHU
	Panel Discussion on Human Rights Concerns for the Marginalised Groups

2002
January	VC, IGNOU re-elected to the Council and Executive Committee of the Association of Commonwealth University
	"Srinivasa Ramanujan Birth Centenary Award" conferred on Prof. Dikshit at the Indian Science Congress-2002
	Gyan Vani station at Coimbatore started test transmission
	Mr. T.L. Hange Mageste, HoD of ICT, Media Production of Botswana College of Distance and Open Learning visited the University
February	AAOU Pre-Conference Workshop on Quality Assurance Framework for Distance Education & Open Learning Institutions
	AAOU Pre-Conference Seminar on Library Services for Distance Learners
	XV Annual Conference of Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU) was organized in the capital by the University. Sh. Krishan Kant, Vice-President , Union of India inaugurated three-day conference. The main theme of the conference was 'Access and Equity'.
	Prof. George Eshiwani, VC, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Prof. M.K. Jain, Kenyatta University, Dr. Nadeer Abu Khalaf, Director, Open Education Programme, Jerusalem Education Region, Jerusalem, Dr. Jakkris Sivabechethep, Dean, School of Health Science, STOU, Thailand and Prof. Boonta Wissawapaisal, Director, Office of Documentation and Information, STOU, Thailand visited IGNOU
March	Thirteenth Convocation of the University was held on 21 March. Prof. M.M.Joshi , Hon'ble Minister for HRD delivered the convocation address. 78,068 students received their Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates
	MoU with National Council of Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT) , Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India to promote professional education in the area of Hospitality Services and Hotel Management . As a first step in this collaborative effort IGNOU will launch a Programme of Bachelor's in Hotel Management in collaboration with NCHMCT.
	Two-day Seminar hosted by School of Social sciences on "Social Sciences and the Age of Globalization"
	Mr. Dasho Jigmi Singay, Secretary, Royal Service Comisssion , Royal Governement of Bhutan visited the University
April	Prof. Raja Ramanna, renowned Nuclear Scientist and Member, Rajya Sabha delivered the Sixth Anuvrat Endowment Lecture at FICCI Auditorium, New Delhi on 20th April, 2002. He spoke on "Future of Nuclear Power".
	Prof. Raja Ramanna , Nuclear Scientist delivered the Sixth Anuvrat Endowment Lecture on 20 April, 2002 at New Delhi. The topic of the lecture was 'Future of the Nuclear Power'.
	MoU with Assam Rifles to provide student support services to the personnel of the Assam Rifles through Single Window System
May	Fire Safety Week organised at the University
May	Dr. Christina Padolina, Commissioner of Higher Education, Government of Phillipines visited the University
June	Admissions-2003 for various academic programmes announced
July	Mr. D.C.Pant and Prof. S.C.Garg appointed as the new Pro-Vice-Chancellors
	Dr. K. Kasturirangan, Chairman, ISRO delivered the Seventh Annual Prof. G. Ram Reddy Memorial Lecture in New Delhi on 02 July, 2002. The topic of the lecture was ' Connectivity through Space-A Boon for Developing India'.
	His Excellency Dr. Kebede Yadete, President, Defence University, Ethiopia visited the University Main Campus
	IGNOU film “On the Threshold of a New Century” gets SONY ICD Award
	Mr. R.B. Subba, Minister of Education & Law, Government of Sikkim visited IGNOU

August	IGNOU’s proposal to set up National Centre for the Differently Abled(NACDA) announced. MoU signed with IDBI Bank and Indian Bank for collection of University Fee in Cash from IGNOU learners Seminar-cum-Video Conferencing was held on IPR with World Intellectual Property Rights Organisation, Geneva.
September	Memorandum of collaboration with UNESCO Visit of senior decision-makers from African Ministries of Education Prof. Murli Manohar Joshi, Union Minister for HRD inaugurated Gyanvani radio station at Bhopal. Smt. Sheila Dikshit, Chief Minsiter, Delhi inaugurated virtual classrooms in low literacy areas in India under the Women’s Empowerment Project, IGNOU
October	H.E. Levon Mkrtchian, Hon’ble Minister of Education and Science, Armenia alongwith a high powered delegation visited the University. A two-day national seminar on `Police and Minorities: Lessons for Human Rights Education’ was organized by Human Rights Education Project, IGNOU and Centre for Study of Society and Secularism, Mumbai. Delegation of 12 Professors from Cameroon University visited IGNOU. IGNOU-ICAR (India council for Agricultural Research) collaboration for Agriculture Education. MoU with Directorate General of Supplies & Disposals( DGS&D;) for the supply of Paper and Art Card. Annual Hindi Month celebrations
November	Shri Sanjoy Takam, Hon’ble Minister for Education, Arunanchal Pradesh visited the University A high level delegation from the Ministry of Education, Afghanistan led by Mr. Abdul Jabbar Nadir, General President, Teachers Training, Ministry of Education, Afghanistan visited the University Main Campus for exploring possibility of collaboration between India and Afghanistan in the field of education IGNOU hosted a one-day seminar on `India-Australia: Emerging Trends’ at New Delhi. HE Ms Penny Wensley AO the Australian High Commissioner to India gave the inaugural address.
December	Vice-Chancellors of Open Universities and Heads of Distance Education Institutions of SAARC countries met at the University for the two-day conference on `Borderless Open and Flexible Learning’. SAARC Consortium of Open and Distance Learning (SACODiL) established. IGNOU VC elected SACODiL (SAARC Consortium of Open and Distance Learning) chairman for a period of three years.

2003
January	Two-day nation-wide induction programme for IGNOU learners through teleconferencing mode The country’s first technology channel Gyan Darshan III, called Eklavya formally inaugurated by Hon’ble Prof. M.M.Joshi, Minister of HRD, Technology and Ocean Development. Four FM Radio Stations at Bangalore, Lucknow, Vishakhapatnam and Coimbatore were also formally inaugurated. Hon’ble Ms. Sushma Swaraj, Minister of Information and Broadcasting was guest of honour on the occasion.
February	14th Convocation of IGNOU was addressed by Sir John Daniel, Assistant Director General, UNESCO National Seminar on “Urgent Issues in Displacement, Resettlement and Rehabilitation"
March	MoU for Computer Literacy Programmes in the North Eastern States of India Establishment of School of Agriculture in IGNOU
April	Member, Planning Commission addresses Regional Centres Shri Anshuman Singh, Governor, Rajasthan inaugurated teleconferencing Facility for `Sarva Shiksha’
May	Brazilian delegation visits IGNOU Hon'ble Union Minister for Labour addresses IGNOU Community
June	Shri Surjit Singh Barnala, Governor of Andhra Pradesh visits the University IGNOU signs MoU with DPS Society
July	Lt Gen K M Seth, PVSM,AVSM(Retd.), Chhattisgarh Governor visits IGNOU Dr. R.A. Mashelkar, DG, CSIR delivers the annual Prof. G. Ram Reddy Memorial Lecture
August	MOU with National Human Rights, Canadian Human Right Commission and IGNOU MOC BETWEEN IGNOU AND Footwear Design & Development Institute(FDD) Resource persons meet hosted by govt of chhattisgarh at ignou National Consultation Workshop on Gender Training Resource Assessment and Design of Multimedia Gender Training Kit MoU with Prasar Bharti
September	IGNOU Lanunches Post Graduate Diploma Programme in Library Automation and Networking from January 2004 Book fair Hindi month at IGNOU INDUCTION 2003 for new learners of the session SANSKRIT NET UNDER BHASHA MANDAKINI BY MHRD & IGNOU inaugurated by Shri Murli Manohar Joshi, Minister of HRD. Shri Rajnath Singh, Minister of Agriculture, visited IGNOU and addressed the various officials of KVKs via tele-conferencing.
October	IGNOU signed an MoU with Foreign Service Institute to develop Virtual Campus Website for mid-career training Programme for Foreign Service officers of Ministry of External Affairs. Prof. William Maley, Director Asia Pacific College of Diplomacy, Australian National University, Canberra delivered a lecture on ‘National Security and International Terrorism: Issues for India and Australia’ on 9th Oct. 2003. Sir Gareth Roberts, FRS, delivered a lecture on Leadership in Management and Research which was telecast nationwide from the studios of EMPC.
November	Prof. H.P. Dikshit, VC, participated in the UNESCO sponsored 2003 World Summit of Presidents and Vice-Chancellors of world’s largest universities at Shanghai. He was elected co-chairperson in the Summit. It was also decided that the next World Summit of Mega Universities would be hosted in the year 2005 by Indira Gandhi National Open University, with IGNOU VC as the Chairperson. A delegation from South Korea visited IGNOU on a study tour and interacted with different Schools and Divisions. Prof. S.C. Garg, PVC participated in the AAOU conference in Bangkok and was nominated on the Editorial Board of AAOU, Journal of Distance Education.
December	Refresher Programmes on ‘Distance History Education’ and ‘Distance Teacher Education’ were held during 2-19 December, 2003. The programmes have been jointly coordinated by STRIDE, School of Education and School of Social Sciences under an initiative of Distance Education Council. The programmes laid special emphasis on distance teaching for technology-enabled education. A two-day IGNOU-UNESCO workshop on framework for collaboration in Gender Training was held on 15th & 16th December. Prof. A.W. Khan, Assistant Director General, Communication and Information, UNESCO, delivered the keynote address. Delegation from Bhutan visited IGNOU to explore possible areas of mutual cooperation. A one day workshop was held for the evaluation of materials, developed in the UNESCO projects, on teaching-learning of Mathematics, Environment Education, Information and Communication Technologies for primary school teachers and functionally literate people by users, experts and resource persons.

2004
January	Kisan TV Channel was inaugurated by Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India The Higher Education channel, a joint initiative of UGC-CEC and IGNOU-EMPC was launched by Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi, Hon’ble Minister for Human Resource Development. Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Hon’ble Minister for I & B was the Guest of Honour on the occasion. Four FM Gyan Vani Stations at Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Delhi were launched by Dr. M.M. Joshi, Minister for HRD. Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Hon’ble Minister for I & B was Guest of Honour. P.G. Diploma in Audio Programme Production (PGDAPP), P.G. Diploma in Radio Prasaran, P.G. Diploma in Library Automation and Networking and PG Diploma in Geriatric Medicine were launched. Seventh Annual Anuvrat Endowment Lecture on ‘Education for Peace’ was delivered by Prof. Arun Nigavekar, Chairman, UGC. Induction 2004 for new learners for January 2004 session was held through a nationwide teleconferencing from 17th-18th January, 2004. Meeting of North Zone Regional Directors was held at IGNOU Campus.
February	The 15th Convocation was held at the head quarters of IGNOU at New Delhi on 22nd February 2004. 74,606 students of IGNOU were awarded degrees, diplomas and certificates at this convocation. Among them 41 students were awarded gold medals. Dr. K. Kasturirangan, former Chairman, ISRO and Member, Rajya Sabha, delivered the convocation address. His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain and Field Marshall S.H.F.J. Manekshaw were conferred degrees of Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) for their outstanding contribution towards peace and understanding. MoU was signed with Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) for launching Bachelor's Programme in Nautical Sciences from July 2004. MoU was signed with National Trust for the betterment of persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and multiple disabilities. IGNOU and National Trust will collaborate on the development, design and implementation of capacity building and leadership training programmes for these persons and their families and caregivers, through distance training mode.
March	Indira Gandhi Open University signed an MoC with Tamil Virtual University (TVU) for the establishment of a virtual university and further dissemination of knowledge. Prof. H.P. Dikshit, VC, IGNOU on behalf of IGNOU and Prof. V.C. Kulandaiswamy, Chairman on behalf of TVU signed the MoC. It has now been made mandatory to obtain approval from DEC, IGNOU for launching academic programmes to learners pursuing studies through distance mode in different universities in India. This has been decided in a joint agreement between UGC, AICTE and DEC for maintaining quality.
April	The launch of South Asia Foundation (SAF)-Madanjeet Singh Scholarships took off the ground. South Asia Foundation (SAF) has allocated 6,000 Scholarships, each worth US$300.00 per annum. Of these, 3,000 scholarships are for IGNOU students and shall be awarded with effect from July, 2004 in the country and another 3,000 scholarships shall be processed through SAF Madanjeet Singh Scholarship Cell located in Distance Education Council (DEC) for students in State Open Universities (SOUs) and Institutes of Distance Education in dual mode Universities. These scholarships are for the students of Post-Graduate and Professional programmes.
May	A placement orientation for students of Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) and Advance Diploma in Information Technology (ADIT) of the University was conducted by the School of Computer & Information Sciences at India International Centre. Senior professionals participated as resource persons.
July	IGNOU launched various new programmes at Graduation and Post-Graduation level from the July session. Those are B.Sc. in Nautical Sciences, M.A. in History, M.A. in Political Science, M.Com. and B.A. in Social Work (BSW). World Intellectual Property Rights Organisation and IGNOU have come together for major interventions in the area of Intellectual Property Rights. IGNOU launched a three-month awareness course in IPR. A P.G. Diploma Programme in IPR was also launched in collaboration with WIPO. The Ninth G. Ram Reddy Memorial Lecture was organised by IGNOU on the 2nd of July 2004. Dr. G. Madhavan Nair, Chairman Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) delivered the lecture on " Development of Space Programme and its Impact on Education". IGNOU developed a virtual campus website for mid-career training programme for Foreign Service Institute (FSI) officers inaugurated by Shri Natwar Singh, Hon'ble Minister for External Affairs, Govt. of India on 27th July 2004. The new academic complex of IGNOU was inaugurated on 28th July, 2004 by the Hon'ble Union Minister for Human Resource Development (HRD), Shri Arjun Singh. IGNOU and Narayan Hrudayalaya, Bangalore signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 14th July, 2004 for developing a 2- year Post Graduate Diploma in Community Cardiology for medical graduates.
August	The Induction 2004 interactive session for the fresh entrants to the July 2004 batch of IGNOU students for management and certificate programmes was conducted on 21st August 2004. IGNOU and Electronic Media Production Centre participated in the 10th Delhi Book Fair.
September	EDUSAT, the dedicated satellite for education was launched on September 20, 2004. Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India has appointed a Core Group to act as the Focal Point to utilise the EDUSAT facility with Prof. H. P. Dikshit, Vice Chancellor, IGNOU (and Chairman, Distance Education Council ) as the Chairman of Core Group. A second induction programme for M. A., M.Com. and BSW programmes was conducted for two days from 25th-26th September, 2004.
October	An MoU between IGNOU and Hero Honda Motors Limited (HHML) was signed to initiate effort for the development of trade level human resources engaged in motor cycle services and repairing across the country by offering structured training for their skill development and subsequent certification. IGNOU offers B.Ed programme in URDU in collaboration with Maulana Azad National Urdu University Hyderabad.
November	The Mizoram University accorded recognition to IGNOU programmes as equivalent to other universities in the country for seeking employment under the state government through direct recruitment. IGNOU organised a 3-week International Workshop on Interactive Multimedia in Distance Education in collaboration with Inter-University Consortium for Technology Enabled Flexible Education and Development (TEFED), South Asia Consortium of Open Distance Learning (SACODiL) and Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA), Commonwealth of Learning (COL), Canada, inaugurated by Sir John Daniel, President and CEO, Commonwealth of Learning (COL). Prof. H.P. Dikshit, VC, IGNOU and Chairman of the core group on EDUSAT addressed a teleconferencing session on 'EDUSAT - Capabilities, Benefits and Challenges' at EMPC, IGNOU. A special website www.edusatindia.org was also launched. The Hindi Month of the university was celebrated from 14th September to 14th October 2004
December	A nationwide special teleconferencing session on HIV-AIDS was held on 4th December, 2004 from EMPC, IGNOU, New Delhi. Hon'ble Shri Oscar Fernandes, Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation and Convenor of the Parliamentary Forum on HIV/AIDS graced the occasion and stated that HIV/AIDS is threatening to emerge as the scourge to humanity if all out efforts are not made to check it now. The network of Gyan Vani FM Radio stations was widened with the commencement of experimental Gyan Vani broadcasts from Varanasi & Mysore (on 19th Dec.'04).

2005
January	The first conference of the SAARC Consortium of Open and Distance Learning (SACODiL) with VC, IGNOU as the first Chairperson was held from 19th - 21st January 2005 at the Electronic Media Production Centre (EMPC) of IGNOU, New Delhi. It was established with the objective of reviewing and approving strategic plans and annual work programmes, monitoring implementation and evaluation of the results in the region. Prof. S.C. Garg, PVC, IGNOU inaugurated a two-day National Workshop held from 14th -15th January 2005 on "Research Methodology for Distance Online Learning" in the headquarters of IGNOU at New Delhi, being collaboratively organised by the Distance Education Council (DEC) and the Inter-University Consortium (IUC). The Induction 2004 interactive session of the fresh entrants to the January 2005 batch of IGNOU students for Management and Certificate programmes was held on 29th - 30th January, 2005 from EMPC, IGNOU. IGNOU has launched two new Programmes i.e. (i) P.G. Diploma in Intellectual Property Rights (PGDIPR) in collaboration with World Intellectual Property Rights Organisation (WIPO) and (ii) P.G. Diploma in Environment and Sustainable Development (PGDESD) from January 2005 session. The network of Gyan Vani FM Radio stations was widened with the commencement of experimental Gyan Vani broadcasts from Jabalpur, Rajkot & Guwahati (on 6th Jan.'05) and Raipur (on 10th Jan.). IGNOU has been offering a B.Ed programme in Urdu language in collaboration with Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad. Selection of students will be done through an Entrance Examination. The programme is available in the study centres of Hyderabad, Bangalore, Lucknow, Patna, Bhopal and Delhi regions. IGNOU opened admissions for the January 2005 session to all three-year Diploma Holders of Hotel Management from the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT), Ministry of Tourism, Government of India to the B.Sc. Hospitality and Hotel Administration Programme. IGNOU and Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) joined hands to launch various programmes at different levels in the areas of Craft, Design and Art. The first programme in this series is Certificate in Craft & Design (Pottery). IGNOU launched a One Year Diploma in Computer Integrated Manufacturing (DCIM) leading to B.Tech (Mechanical Engineering) aimed to impart training and continuing professional knowledge in the area of Computer Integrated Manufacturing appropriate for upgrading the diploma level manpower engaged in manufacturing and allied industries.
February	A joint Teacher Training Programme through distance mode was launched at the international level with the signing of a MoU between IGNOU and Mauritius Institute of Education (MIE) on 21st February 2005. The MoU was signed by Prof. Vijay Kumar Pritam Parmessur, Director, MIE and Prof. S.C. Garg, PVC, IGNOU. The Placement Cell of IGNOU in collaboration with the multinational corporation M/s G.E. Capital Limited conducted a two-day campus screening on 22nd and 23rd February 2005 for placement of its students in the areas of Information Technology and allied services
March	The 16th Convocation was held at the headquarters of IGNOU at New Delhi on 5th March 2005. His Excellency, the President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was the Chief Guest. Dr. Kamil Idris, Director General, World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), Geneva and Shri G. Madhavan Nair, Chairman, Space Commission, Secretary to Government of India, Department of Space and Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) were conferred the degrees of Doctor of Letters (honoris causa) and Doctor of Science (honoris causa) respectively. A total of 71, 298 students of IGNOU including 43 gold medallists were awarded degrees, diplomas and certificates at this Convocation. For the first time, a student of IGNOU was awarded a Ph.D degree. Best Researcher and Best Services Awards were also presented. The question papers of various academic programmes of IGNOU from 1987 to 2000 have been put on CDs which are available at all 48 Regional Centres and over 1100 Study Centres of the university across the country. In addition, the question papers from 1999-2004 have been put on IGNOU website
April	Bamboo and Rattan Courses by IGNOU A teleconferencing session Role of Information and Communication Technology in Reaching the Unreached on 21st April 2005 inaugurated by Shri K Rahman Khan, Hon’ble Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha.
May	IGNOU and British Open University (BOU) agreed to constitute two expert groups to identify critical areas for collaboration.
June	Malaysian delegation led by the Chairman of Board of Directors, University Putra Malaysia visited IGNOU on 16th June 2005. South Korean delegation visited IGNOU on 23rd June 2005. IGNOU offers Certificate programme in Craft & Design (Pottery)
July	10th Prof. G Ram Reddy Memorial Lecture delivered on 2nd July 2005 at EMPC by Padma Shri Prof. (Dr.) NR Madhava Menon, Director, National Judicial Academy, Bhopal. To enhance educational opportunities for the CRPF personnel and their families an MoU was signed between IGNOU & CRPF.
August	MoU signed between IGNOU and Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) at Mussoorie on 29th August 2005 to award MA (Public Policy) degrees from IGNOU to IAS probationers.
September	IGNOU Celebrated “Teacher’s Day” on 5th Sept. 2005 felicitating retired teacher and professors who contributed to the phenomenal rise and reputation of IGNOU. Induction Programme for new students of July 2005 session was held on Sept. 2005 at EMPC, IGNOU through teleconferencing. “Cross Border Delivery Experiences of Mega Universities”, 2nd World Summit of Mega Universities (GMUNET) held on 23rd-25th Sep. 2005. Sh Arjun Singh, Union HRD Minister, Govt. of India inaugurated the summit. Release of book “Open and Flexible Learning” – Issues and challenges dedicated to the memory of Prof. G Ram Reddy, founder VC of IGNOU. 2nd National Seminar on Social Work and HIV/AIDS, was jointly organized by IGNOU and the American Embassy on Sept. 16-18th, 2005 at New Delhi. The theme of the Seminar was “Towards Preparing a compassionate fraternity of professionals”.
October	Induction Programme for new students of July 2005 session was held on 1st Oct. 2005 at EMPC, IGNOU through teleconferencing. Hindi Cell organized many activities for the staff like Noting, Drafting, Essay writing competition, Lecture competition, Hindi Type or Steno competition, Slogan, Debates, Story writing, Quiz during Hindi month in Sept.-Oct.05,
November	Hon’ble Minister for Human Resource Development Sh. Arjun Singh launched Gulistan-E-Urdu Channel on 7th Nov. 2005. International Conference on Open Learning and Distance Education Organized by IGNOU from 19-23rd Nov. 2005. The theme of the conference was “Open & Distance Education in Global Environments, opportunities for collaboration. Governor of Madhya Pradesh Dr. Balram Jakhar, released the course material of two new programmes in Agriculture Brazilian Delegation visited IGNOU on 25th Nov. 2005 The University of Fiji (UNIFIJI) fiji Islands and IGNOU, entered into Collaboration on 27th Nov. 2005.
December	Japanese Parliament delegation visited IGNOU, EMPC Hon’ble Union Minister for Human Resource Development Shri Arjun Singh, inaugurated the EDUSAT supported Rajiv Gandhi Project via teleconferencing at IGNOU on 17th Dec. 2005. IGNOU is to offer Post-Graduate Diploma in Community Cardiology from January 2006. For the first time in the history of the country, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Community Cardiology, shall be offered by IGNOU. It was launched by Hon’ble Dr. Anbumani Ramdoss, the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare through nationwide teleconference facility at IGNOU on 20th Dec. 2005. On 21st Dec. 2005 an MOU was signed between IGNOU and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)– the two apex bodies to promote cooperation in the field of agricultural education and open and distance mode, respectively.

2006
January	IGNOU launches six month Certificate programme in Health Care Waste Management. Special teleconferencing session on "Best Practices" observed at the 32 Regional Centres of the University and subsequent brainstorming session on Student Support Services at the EMPC, IGNOU on 8th Jan. 2006. Prof. H P Dikshit, Vice Chancellor, declared that efforts are being made to provide the educational programmes of the University to remote areas of the country through Direct to Home (DTH) facility.
February	IGNOU and National Board of Examination (NBE) entered into a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) for cooperation and joint action to support the development of medical education and training in the country. IGNOU in collaboration with Rehabilitation Council of India offered Awareness-cum-training Packages in Disability, in the areas of Mental Retardation, Visual impairment and Cerebral Palsy, for parents and family members of Children with disabilities. Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) organised an International Training Programme on "Media for Diplomacy" for the Press Attaches of the Embassy of the State of Kuwait from Feb.06-March 10, 2006 The Seventeenth Convocation of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) was held on Saturday, the 18th February, 2006 at 3.00pm at Sanchar Kendra, IGNOU Campus. The Convocation was simultaneously held at IGNOU Headquarters and 24 Regional Centres spread across the country. Degree/ Diploma and certificates to 75,174 students were awarded. Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy, Govt. of India was the Chief Guest and delivered the Convocation address. Sh. N R Narayana Murthy, Chairman, Infosys was awarded Doctor of Science, (Honoris Causa). 48 candidates in various disciplines received the gold medals from the Chief Guest. Gold Medals were also awarded for the best Research Paper, best Regional Centre and Innovations in open and Distance Learning.
March	Dr. Samlee Plianbangchang Regional Director, World Health Organization(WHO), South East Asia Region Office (SEARO) and Vice Chancellor IGNOU, Prof. H P Dikshit inaugurated a Certificate Programme in Health Care Waste management at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) on 10th March 2006. IGNOU signed MoUs for offering IGNOU's programmes with Universal Empire Institute of Technology, Dubai, Wisdom Institute of Technology, UAE, the University of Fiji, Distance Education Modernization Project (DEMP), Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka and Virtual University of Tunis, Tunisia. In pursuance of the decisions taken in the 2nd meeting of Board of Governers of SACODil, all Open Universities in the SAARC region have agreed to mutually recognise first degree programmes.
April	Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and Foreign Service Institute (FSI), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India extended their MoU for 2 years. The agreement was signed by Mr. Rahul Kulshrestha on behalf of Foreign Service Insititute, Ministry of External Affairs and Mr. Dapil Kumar Tetri, Registrar, IGNOU. Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) set up a Regional Centre at Port Blair. The Andaman & Nicobar Administration, has provided built-in space for the Regional Centre Building. The Study Centres were set up in four islands, one each at Middle Andaman (Rangat), Little Andaman (Hut Bay), Car Nicobar, Nancowry Group of Islands (Kamorta) and Great Nicobar (Campbell Bay).
May	Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with St. Mary's University College, Ethopia. The agreement was signed by Mr. D.K.Tetri, Registrar, IGNOU and Mr. Wondwosen Tamrat, President, St. Mary's University College Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
June	On the completion of his tenure, Prof. H. P. Dikshit, Vice Chancellor, Indira Gandhi National Open University(IGNOU) demitted office.
July	11th Prof. G. Ram Reddy Memorial Lecutre was organised by Indira Gandhi National Open University. Prof. Yashpal. Former Chairman, University Grants Commission and a well known educationist deliverd the lecture on 2nd July, 2006 at Electronic Media Production Centre of the University. The title of the lecture is "Let us not Forget the Proximate while Chasing the Wonders of Distance Education". Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) entered into a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with Payame Noor University (PNU), Tehran for establishing a network in the field of higher education, sharing of academic experiences, development of strategies for design and development of joint programmes and to undertake joint R&D projects. The MoC signing was graced by His Excellency Ambassdor of the Islamic Republic of Iran Sh. S.L.Yoghoubi and Acting Vice-Chancellor of IGNOU, Prof. S.C.Garg.
August	A Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) signed between the Ministry of Power, Govt. of India and the Indira Gandhi National Open University(IGNOU) at New Delhi in the presence of Hon'ble Minister, Ministry of Power(MoP) Shri Sushil Kumar Shinde, Secretary, Ministry of Power, Shri R. V. Shahi and Vice- Chancellor, IGNOU, Prof. S. C. Garg for capacity building in the Indian Power Sector. The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) launched Ph.D in Commerce and Management from the current year
September	Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) launched B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering. Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) announced a four year programme of B.Sc. (Hons.) in Optometry and Ophthalmic Techniques in collaboration with Federation of Ophthalmic Research and Education Centres (FOREC). A delegation headed by Libyan Minister of Higher Education, H.E. Dr. Ibrahum al-Zarruq al-Sharif visited Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) to explore possibilities of collaboration and faculty exchange to further strengthen distance education system in their country. IGNOU entered into an Memorandum of Understanding with National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Lagos, Nigeria on 23rd September, 2006. This MoU would facilitate NOUN to adopt/adapt the course materials developed by IGNOU for Bachelor of Computer Applications(BCA), Master of Computer Application (MCA), Management, Post Graduate Diploma in Distance Education (PGDDE) and Master of Arts (Distance Education), (MADE).
October	A Memorandum of Collaboration was signed between Indra Gandhi National Open Unviersity (IGNOU) and Insurance Institute of India (III), Mumbai in the capital. Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Dvelopment Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce signed an MoU to develop educational programmes in the area of Agricultural Export/Import. Prof. V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai took over as the new Vice Chancellor of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) on 21st Oct. 2006. "Progress Report Book" shall be introduced for the students of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) to be maintained by him or her till they are students of IGNOU, announced Prof. V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai, the new Vice Chancellor of IGNOU.
November	IGNOU - ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) decided to form an Alumni Association so as to bring together all the ex-students of IGNOU, announced Prof. V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice Chancellor. Two day Regional Directors meeting was held in IGNOU, New Delhi on 12th-14th Nov. 2006. A meeting of the Vice Chancellors of State Open Universities and Directors of Directorates of Distance Education Institutions was held with Prof. VN Rajasekharan Pillai, Chairman, Distance Education Council (DEC) at IGNOU Headquarters on 23rd Nov. 2006. The library of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) at Headquarters as well as libraries of its regional centres was thrown open to IGNOU students. Steps are also being taken to link these libraries with other national library data bases, announced Prof. VN Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice Chancellor.

November 29, 2006