Team News Riveting
Delhi, November 23
The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) commemorated its 35th Foundation Day at Vigyan Bhavan with a grand celebration on Saturday.
The event, which began at 10:30 am, was graced by Padma Shri Professor Chamu Krishna Shastry, Chairman of Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti as the Chief Guest. The ceremony commenced with the recitation of Vedic mantras and Saraswati Vandana by students from Shrimad Dayanand Kanya Gurukul Mahavidyalaya, Chotipura, followed by the lighting of the lamp. The Divyang students of Amar Jyoti School, Karkardooma, an NIOS study center, welcomed the guests with a welcome song, which was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience. The event proceeded with the presentation of the NIOS theme song.
Professor Pankaj Arora, Chairperson of NIOS, delivered the welcome address, extending a warm reception to the distinguished guests. In his address, Professor Arora highlighted NIOS’s significant achievements and its growing relevance in the modern education landscape. He emphasized that NIOS has made pioneering contributions to preserving and promoting Indian knowledge traditions, integrating indigenous knowledge into its curriculum, and making education accessible in remote areas.
During the Foundation Day celebrations, NIOS released the self-study material of its new course ‘Natyakala’. The Chief Guest, Padma Shri Prof. Chamu Krishna Shastry, launched the ‘ULLAS se NIOS’ program by inaugurating it with great enthusiasm. This initiative aims to educate and certify illiterate individuals aged 15 and above, with a target of reaching 5 crore learners by 2027.
Professor (Dr.) Nirmaljit Singh Kalsi (IAS), Former Chairman of NCVET and Guest of Honour, emphasized that teachers are the nation’s greatest asset and lauded the world-class talent and skills of NIOS learners. He commended the inclusive education initiative at NIOS, recognizing its contribution to fostering a more equitable learning environment.
In his keynote address, Padma Shri Prof. Chamu Krishna Shastry, Chairman of Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti, Ministry of Education, Government of India, shared his reflections on the experiences of NIOS learners, which he described as deeply inspiring. He praised the resilience and talent of Divyang learners and suggested a three-tier approach to understanding the significance of NIOS’s motto, “Vidyadhanam Sarvdhanpradhanam,” which translates to “Education is the key to human development.” He underscored the importance of education in achieving holistic development and encouraged a deeper exploration of institutional mottos to connect with Indian cultural values.
Prof. Prem Narayan Singh, Director, IUCTE, BHU, Varanasi and Abhilasha Jha Mishra, Member Secretary, NCTE graced the occasion as special guests on the 35th Foundation Day celebration of the National Institute of Open Schooling.
National Institute of Open Schooling was established on 23 November 1989. NIOS has provided a platform to millions of talented learners of the country to fulfill their dreams. This is the reason why NIOS remains the first choice of many professionals of the country. NIOS is the world’s largest open schooling system and is ensuring easy access to education to all across the country through twenty regional centers, three cells and more than ten thousand study centers.
At the event, former NIOS students shared their inspiring success stories. Among them were Tejas N, 29 gold and 5 silver medals in swimming; Moitri Sarma, a gold medalist in Taekwondo; motivational speaker and transgender rights advocate Madhu; ventriloquist artist N Niranjana; junior world record holder in air pistol shooting Bhakti Sharma; and Uday Shankar Ravi Kumar, a patent holder in artificial intelligence. These individuals spoke about the pivotal role NIOS played in shaping their careers and helping them achieve their dreams.
The ceremony included a screening of a documentary that showcased NIOS’s remarkable 35-year journey and an exhibition featuring various courses and textbooks offered by the institute. The event concluded with the singing of the National Anthem by NIOS students from Father Agnel School, followed by the vote of thanks delivered by the Director Academic.
The event was attended by a large number of NIOS officials, including the Secretary, Heads of Departments, Directors of Regional Centers, including retired and former authorities and staff members.
