The Foundation Day was attended by senior officials from the Ministry and various institutions, former Chairpersons of NIOS, Directors of all Regional Centres of NIOS, eminent educationists, the Director of NCERT, Vice-Chancellors of NIPAs and Jamia Millia Islamia, representatives from DUTA, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti and CBSE, Principals of various schools, NIOS learners, and Journalists. The programme commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and a Saraswati Vandana presented by learners from Sugam NGO.
Following the NIOS anthem, the Chairman of NIOS, Professor Akhilesh Mishra, welcomed the dignitaries and highlighted the Institute’s notable contributions. He also underlined the launch of the world’s first Senior Secondary curriculum in Indian Sign Language. Emphasising self-reliance, he spoke about the need for self-awareness and shared plans to soon introduce the “Shiksha Mitra Programme” for learners deprived of educational opportunities.
Addressing the gathering, the Hon’ble Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan praised the commendable work of NIOS and congratulated it for connecting with India’s unique educational heritage. Sharing an anecdote, he noted that many institutions are working to bring out-of-school children into the mainstream of education in collaboration with NIOS. He stressed the need to promote education in the mother tongue and called for moving beyond the colonial “Macaulay mindset.” Highlighting the importance of experimentation with Artificial Intelligence in education, he stated that AI can help address learners’ queries effectively and enhance teacher education.
Distinguished Guest Ms. Prachi Pandey congratulated NIOS on its 36th Foundation Day and appreciated its significant role in educating the underprivileged. She also lauded the initiative of providing education in the mother tongue.
In his address, Shri Sanjay Kumar commended NIOS for the extensive use of ICT to provide maximum facilities to its learners. He also highlighted NIOS’s important initiatives in offering accessible learning facilities for persons with disabilities through multiple modes.
On this occasion, NIOS also launched the portal for the Teacher Training Programme (Bridge Course) along with various academic and vocational courses, inaugurated by the Hon’ble Union Education Minister.
Thereafter, the Secretary of NIOS expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest and all distinguished dignitaries for their presence. The programme concluded with the National Anthem. A large number of NIOS officers and staff were present during the celebration.