Mysuru: Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot on Saturday said open and distance learning (ODL) has emerged as a powerful instrument for democratising education and making knowledge accessible to all sections of society. He noted that the system also plays a vital role in realising the vision of a developed India by 2047.He was speaking at an academic meet on ‘From Access to Excellence: The Future Pathways of Distance Education’ organised by Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) at its Mukthagangothri campus here.The governor said the education sector has witnessed significant transformation, driven by technology, artificial intelligence, digital resources and innovative teaching methods. These developments, he said, have made education more accessible, inclusive and effective. The ODL system, he added, has opened the doors of knowledge to millions who are unable to access conventional institutions due to social, economic or geographical constraints.Emphasising the role of distance education in women’s empowerment, Gehlot said many women are unable to pursue regular education due to family responsibilities. Distance learning, he noted, enables them to continue their studies from home and become self-reliant. He added that it has also proved to be a boon for persons with disabilities and socially disadvantaged sections.Adichunchanagiri mutt pontiff Nirmalanandanatha Swami, Ramakrishna Ashrama’s Swami Muktidananda, MLAs D Ravishankar, K Harishgowda, KSOU vice-chancellor Sharanappa V Halse, registrar Prof. SK Naveen Kumar and former vice-chancellor Prof. NS Rame Gowda were present.
