In line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, IGNOU has introduced MBA study materials in Odia. The materials were launched on Tuesday by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in Bhubaneswar. While unveiling the study materials in the regional language, Pradhan remarked that a new chapter has been added to higher and professional education in Odisha.
The launch ceremony was attended by T G Sitharam, Chairman of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Uma Kanjilal, Vice Chancellor of IGNOU, and Mrutyunjay Behera, Economic Advisor and Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Education.
Dharmendra Pradhan praised IGNOU for its contribution to delivering quality higher education throughout India, especially in remote regions. He stressed the significance of teaching in one's mother tongue, noting that learning in a native language promotes innovative thinking and enhances understanding.
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Significance of learning in one's mother tongue
The minister also emphasised that a love for one's mother tongue does not mean devaluing English or any other language.
He expressed his gratitude to both IGNOU and AICTE for launching study materials in technical and professional education in various regional languages under NEP 2020. He also hoped that IGNOU would continue to expand its offerings in regional languages in the future.
He stated, "Odisha is working towards implementing various aspects of the National Education Policy 2020, with the provision of education in Mother Tongue being a key element." The minister commended IGNOU’s efforts in expanding higher education across the country, regardless of caste, creed, region, gender, or age. He highlighted IGNOU’s potential to provide higher education to a diverse population in Odisha, including both youth and working professionals, irrespective of their background.
IGNOU, AICTE collaboration in regional education
In March of the previous year, IGNOU and AICTE signed an agreement to translate the university's MBA study materials into 12 Indian regional languages, including Odia and Hindi.
Informing about Tuesday's launch, the Ministry of Education also shared on X, stating that this initiative aligns with the core principles of NEP 2020, which focuses on promoting Indian languages and democratizing higher education to ensure that no learner is left behind.
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