Two-day international conference concluded at University of Jammu

JAMMU: The Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE), University of Jammu concluded its two-day International Conference organised as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Centre with a valedictory session held today.

The conference was organised on the theme “Reimagining Open, Distance, Online, Blended and Self-Directed Learning: Innovations, Equity, and Impact in the Digital Era” and witnessed participation from eminent academicians, researchers, policymakers and scholars from across the country and abroad.

Prof. T. Ramesh, former Vice-Chancellor of Kakatiya University, Warangal, was the Chief Guest at the valedictory session, while Dr. Sunita Siwach, Joint Secretary, University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi, joined the programme online as the Guest of Honour.

The session began with a floral welcome of the Chief Guest by Prof. Pankaj K. Srivastava, Director, Centre for Distance and Online Education, University of Jammu and Convener of the conference. Prof. Srivastava also presented a memento to the Chief Guest as a token of appreciation.

In his address, Chief Guest Prof. T. Ramesh congratulated the Centre for Distance and Online Education, University of Jammu for successfully organising the international conference. He described the event as an important academic initiative and highlighted the relevance of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, particularly the goal of expanding the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) and the role of the UGC–Distance Education Bureau in strengthening distance and online education in the country.

Prof. Ramesh observed that the concept of openness in education has acquired new significance in the age of technology and innovation, enabling learners to access education anytime and anywhere. He emphasized that open learning systems offer freedom and flexibility, allowing students to pursue subjects of their interest and learn at their own pace. He also highlighted the importance of government support in adopting flexible educational practices to expand access to higher education.

Addressing the gathering online, Dr. Sunita Siwach congratulated the organisers for successfully conducting the international conference. She reflected on the growth of distance education in India and the innovations that have shaped the learning landscape over the years. Referring to the transformative impact of the digital era and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, she said that online education today stands at par with conventional modes of learning in terms of reach and accessibility. She also highlighted the role of open and distance learning in achieving the national vision of Viksit Bharat by expanding access to higher education.

The presidential remarks were delivered by Prof. Pankaj K. Srivastava, who expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, speakers, delegates and members of the organising committee for their support in making the conference a success. He highlighted self-directed learning as a powerful tool in modern education, particularly in the context of flexible and technology-enabled learning environments. He emphasized that open and distance learning plays a crucial role in democratizing education and promoting social inclusion, especially for working professionals and learners from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

Earlier, Prof. Anupama Vohra, Department of English, CDOE, University of Jammu and Organising Secretary of the conference, delivered the welcome address. She welcomed the dignitaries, delegates and participants and expressed gratitude to all for their support in making the conference successful. She also presented a consolidated report of the conference, highlighting the key academic activities conducted during the two-day event as well as the pre-conference discussions held on the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and the issues and challenges faced in the sector.

She also highlighted the outcomes of the conference and stressed the importance of innovation, inclusivity and collaboration in strengthening the future of open and online education.

The proceedings of the valedictory session were conducted by Dr. Neelam Choudhary, Associate Professor, Department of Economics, CDOE, University of Jammu, who also presented the formal vote of thanks. She expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, distinguished speakers, delegates, organising committee members, faculty, scholars and volunteers for their contributions to the successful organisation of the conference.

The conference concluded on an optimistic note with participants reiterating the importance of collaboration, innovation and inclusivity in strengthening open, distance and online education systems in the digital era. The event also marked an important milestone in the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Centre for Distance and Online Education, University of Jammu, commemorating fifty years of its contribution in expanding educational opportunities and promoting flexible learning pathways.