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Breaking Barriers: How Did Prof Uma Kanjilal Make IGNOU History?

In a landmark move, IGNOU appointed Professor Uma Kanjilal as its first woman Vice-Chancellor since the university’s founding in 1985. This historic decision marks a transformative moment for India’s largest open university, celebrating her year-long tenure as Acting VC that began on July 25, 2024.

A Trailblazer’s Journey
Professor Kanjilal brings 36+ years of expertise in Open and Distance Learning (ODL), having climbed IGNOU’s ranks through pivotal roles:
Served as Pro Vice-Chancellor from March 2021 to July 2024.
Led mission-critical bodies like the Centre for Online Education and School of Social Sciences.
Spearheaded digital innovation as head of the Inter-University Consortium for Technology Enabled Flexible Education.

Digital Education Visionary
As a Professor of Library and Information Science (since 2003), Kanjilal revolutionized:
E-learning frameworks and ICT integration in education.
National initiatives like SWAYAM and SWAYAM PRABHA—flagship programs of the Education Ministry that democratize online learning and educational broadcasting.

Why This Appointment Matters
IGNOU hailed her promotion as a “historic milestone,” emphasizing her unique blend of:
Academic leadership in flexible education models.
Institutional knowledge spanning three decades.
Global exposure as a Fulbright Fellow (University of Illinois, 1999-2000) and UNRWA collaborator in Jordan.

The Road Ahead
Kanjilal’s appointment signals IGNOU’s commitment to:
Gender parity in higher education leadership.
Tech-driven accessibility for competitive exam aspirants (SSC, UPSC, NID, etc.).
Scalable digital pedagogy—an inspiration for institutions nationwide.

Key Takeaways for Aspirants
Leadership lessons: Her rise underscores the value of specialization in emerging fields like digital education.
Exam relevance: SWAYAM/IGNOU resources are goldmines for entrance prep—leverage them!
Dream big: Barriers are meant to be broken, whether in exams or careers.