Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) April 9: The 39th convocation of the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) was held on April 7, 2026, at the Regional Centre in Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), coinciding with a live telecast from IGNOU Headquarters in New Delhi. The ceremony opened with the national song and the university Kulgeet, highlighting the significance of the occasion for students, parents, and faculty members.
The Vice President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, presided over the 39th Convocation at IGNOU Headquarters as the Chief Guest. At the Regional Centre in Sri Vijaya Puram, the convocation was graced by Guest of Honour Dr. S. Dinesh Kannan, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife and Research & Working Plan), Department of Environment and Forests, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The event brought together students, parents, faculty, and community members, with 944 students eligible to receive their degrees and diplomas, of which 112 attended the ceremony in person.
Dr. Kannan addressed the gathering, underlining the importance of learning and ecological awareness in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He highlighted IGNOU’s efforts in delivering higher education to remote regions, from North and Middle Andaman to Nicobar, emphasizing the transformative role of education in students’ lives.
Special Guest Dr. C. Sivaperuman, Scientist-F and Course Director at the Zoological Survey of India, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Regional Centre, encouraged learners to pursue excellence and maintain a healthy lifestyle alongside their academic journey.
The Regional Director of IGNOU, Prof. (Dr.) Sunil Jacob, delivered the welcome address, reviewing the academic activities of the past year. He highlighted initiatives such as the Skill Development Programme conducted under the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan scheme at Chouldari Village, South Andaman, which IGNOU adopted as a Science Village.
The convocation concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr. Sudarshan Raja, Assistant Regional Director, acknowledging the contributions of faculty, staff, and students in making the ceremony a success.
The 39th convocation reinforced IGNOU’s commitment to expanding access to higher education in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, celebrating the achievements of its students while inspiring future learners to pursue knowledge and community development.
