Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Prof. Uma Kanjilal is appointed as her Vice Chancellor, marking a historic milestone as she becomes the first woman to hold the post in the history of the university, a release said on Friday.
She has been serving as an acting Vice Chancellor since July 25, 2024.
With more than 36 years of specific service in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) system, Prof. Kanjilal brings a treasure of educational leadership, digital innovation and institutional knowledge to one of the world’s largest open universities.
Before assuming the role of the acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kanjilal served as Pro Vice Chancellor (March 2021 – July 2024). His long-associated association with Ignou reflects various major leadership roles, including the Director, Center for Online Education (2019-2021); Director, Inter-University Consortium for Technology, competent flexible education (2016-2019); Director, Advanced Center for Informatics and Innovative Learning (2012-2013); Director, School of Social Sciences (2007-2010); And University Librarian (2004–2006).
Since 2003, a professor at Library and Information Science, Prof. Kanjilal is recognized nationally for his expertise in e-learning, ICT in library, digital library and multimedia courseware development. He is currently the national coordinator for Swayam and Swayam Prabha, the Ministry of Education, is the major digital education initiative of the Government of India.
His global contribution includes a Fulbright Fellowship at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Shampain (1999–2000), consultation for the Commonwealth of Learning and digital education for UNRWA in Jordan. He has received several praise, including the Manthan Award for E-Shiksha, Australia-India Council Grant and a Danida Fellowship.
Prof. in expanding Digital infrastructure and online education offerings of Ignau. Kanjilal has played an important role. His current role as the head of the National Virtual Library of India Project and his current role as coordinator of the project management unit of IGNOU under NMICT Phase-III reflects his deep commitment to digital empowerment in education.
According to the statement, his appointment comes to a significant turn as the Ignnau National Education Policy (NEP) has continued to implement 2020, which contributes to Vikasat India@2047 through inclusive, flexible and technology-competent education.
Ignau has Prof. Congratulations to Uma Kanjilal and is ready to lead the university in the future guidance of academic excellence, digital changes and inclusive development in the future. (AI)