Uttarakhand Open University Marks 20 Years; Day Two of Independence Day Celebrations Resonates with Sitar and Raag

Pavneet Singh bindra

Commitment to Shaping the Future Through the Blend of Hindi and Technology

Almora: Uttarakhand Open University (UOU) continued its celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of its establishment and the second day of the 69th Independence Day festivities with a series of cultural and academic events. The day began with the melodious notes of sitar and classical raagas, followed by the inauguration of a poster exhibition on the freedom fighters of Uttarakhand by the Govind Ballabh Pant Museum, Almora. The exhibition was inaugurated by the chief guest Prof. Pradeep Kumar Joshi, Chairman, National Testing Agency (NTA), and Prof. Naveen Chandra Lohani, Vice Chancellor of the university.

Chief Guest’s Message – “Small Things Make Us a Better Human Being”

Prof. Pradeep Kumar Joshi said that a university is built by the collective effort of all employees and teachers, where no one is small or big. He emphasised that research projects are meaningful only when linked to society. Rather than relying entirely on the government, communities and individuals must take responsibility for their surroundings, as the progress of a city or university depends on our small but positive actions.

From Rented Rooms to AI-Enabled Learning – Prof. Durgesh Pant Outlines 20-Year Journey

Prof. Durgesh Pant, senior professor in IT & Computer Science and Director General of UCOST, detailed the journey of UOU — from its modest beginnings in rented rooms to operating in grand independent buildings. The institution has earned a B++ NAAC grade and UGC 12(B) recognition.
He noted that while enrolment in traditional universities is decreasing, open learning is on the rise, and UOU has extended its reach even to remote border areas. He announced plans to make courses AI-enabled, enabling students to:

• Learn at their own pace
• Have personalised study plans
• Receive instant feedback and guidance
• Experience faster and more accurate assessment processes

Vice Chancellor Stresses Social Media Outreach

Vice Chancellor Prof. Naveen Chandra Lohani said the university has entered its ‘youth’ phase and must use social media for broader outreach. He urged every member of the university to share course information via their networks and clearly explain to learners how to enrol, what to expect during their studies, and how their future would be shaped after earning their degree.

Cultural and Academic Highlights

During the programme, Ravindranath Tagore University, Bhopal, and the Vanamali Srijan Joint Campaign released a poster. The Vishwarang International Hindi Olympiad was also inaugurated, with faculty members from the Hindi Department present.

Scientific Session Focused on Education and Research

In the second session, Prof. Yashpal Singh from the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, Dehradun, said education’s role is to awaken and sensitise; clear concepts make learning enjoyable. Prof. G.C.S. Negi from the Manskhand Science Centre stressed that the sole objective of research is to reach the truth.

Attendance

The event was attended by Prof. P.D. Pant, Prof. Manjari Agrawal, Prof. M.M. Joshi, Prof. Girija Prasad Pandey, Prof. Rakesh Chandra Rayal, Dr. Shashank Shukla, Dr. Nagendra Gangola, along with university faculty members and research scholars.