Guwahati: In line with its mission of “Education Beyond Barriers,” the Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (KKHSOU) has launched a series of promotional events in eastern Assam to bring higher education opportunities to rural and remote border areas. The events, held on August 29 and 30 in collaboration with the Jorhat Regional Centre, took place at several colleges in Sadiya, Doomdooma, and Tinsukia.
They aimed to spread awareness about open and distance learning (ODL) as a means of equipping local youth with the skills required to meet the challenges of Industry 4.0. Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Pranab Saikia, Dean of the Study Centre at KKHSOU, emphasized the importance of employment-oriented education. “Our demographic dividend of nearly 800 million youth can only be a real asset if they are equipped with need-based, employable education and real-world skills,” he said. Prof. Saikia highlighted KKHSOU’s extensive network of 338 study centres, four regional centres, and its headquarters in Guwahati, which together ensure accessibility across the state. He also outlined the university’s diverse learning tools, including self-learning materials, multimedia resources, and blended learning approaches that allow students to learn anytime, anywhere.
Encouraging rural youth to embrace ODL programs, Prof. Saikia noted that such opportunities allow students to acquire modern knowledge without leaving their jobs or communities. The events drew strong participation from students, teachers, community leaders, and the press, who lauded KKHSOU’s efforts to democratize higher education in Assam.
