On the eve of International Women’s Day, IGNOU Nagpur Regional Centre has felicitated three of its female students, who completed their courses despite of their difficult backgrounds. These students are presented with “Inspirational Academic Achievement Awards†through the hands of Former Director, JNMC Sawangi Meghe, Dr. Kamal Deshmukh,.
In his welcome address Regional Director, IGNOU Regional Centre, Nagpur, Dr. P. Sivaswaroop, said that this day, is celebrated to review the strength, weakness and special efforts in that direction and today’s Women’s Day event at IGNOU Nagpur is meant to recognize the achievement of few women, who successfully accomplished their academic pursuit despite of their hardships and difficulties.
He also said that every woman should respect herself, then only others will respect her. Education is one such quality which enhances their self esteem. Dr. Kamal Deshmukh shared her own experience of her village, of 1940s. She said to meet the increased school fees she earned money by taking tuition classes. In life problems and difficulties keep coming and one should face them with courage and strong will. She stated that among all Daans, Vidya Daan is of utmost importance as it enriches people from inside. It develops self confidence and self respect. Dr Deshmukh felicitated all the three students and blessed them.
Monika Kasat (Kothari) from Amravati, who won all India Gold Medal in BA program of IGNOU, thanked IGNOU for recognising her achievements. She is a Diploma holder in Pathology and has a few years of experience in the same fields. Later married and blessed with two kids. But she was unhappy as she could not be a graduate. With her father’s persuasion, she joined IGNOU BA program. With two small kids, unwell mother in law and with all the responsibility of the family, she completed BA Degree in the minimum period and came out with true flying colors that is she won a gold medal for standing all India first. She shared that she used to sleep for 4 hours in a day due to family responsibility and use to study in night. She said IGNOU material is excellent and has now applied for the course of MA English. With her qualification her tuition students have increased a lot and she is taking classes for other competitive exams as well.
For many Indian Women marriage disrupts their academic pursuit. It is no exception for Aarti Mukherjee, who is now 62 years and recently completed IGNOU BA exam. She got married in 1975 when she was a student of  BA 2nd year. She was unhappy and also questioning her mother that she could not become a graduate. Few years back her mother was in coma due to severe ill health. She shared that her mother came out from coma for few minutes and told her to start her studies and blessed her that she can do it, after blessing her mother took the last breath. She tried different colleges and institutes but at many places people laughed at her looking at her old age and her desire to study. Later she approached IGNOU where she quoted “People respected me for my age and encouraged me to studyâ€. Now I have completed my BA and decided to join for MA Hindi in next session.
Many tribal people are deprived of higher education due to their geographical isolation, including the young people. Under such conditions a tribal old lady of 65 years Kamala Dhakade success story is heartwarming. She is member of Self Help Group where she used to put her thumb impression. With an adult education she started putting her signature. Now with IGNOU Gyan Ganga awareness meetings, she joined IGNOUs Bachelor Preparatory Program.
Thus she started her education after a 55 years gap since she studied 4th Class. The Coordinator of IGNOU Special Study Centre at Kurkheda Gauri Uikey and the Academic Counselor has taken special classes for her. Due to her dedication and determination towards her studies, she completed BPP in first attempt. She wants to join for BSW program now. She motivates other tribal ladies also to educate themselves. Dr. Kamal Deshmukh also felicitated Gauri Uikey and the Academic Counselor for their special efforts to educate tribal ladies like Kamalabai. The Program was conducted by Prabha Manjunath. Vote of thanks was proposed by Assistant Registrar, IGNOU, S. Senthil Raj. The event was well attended by the students, Academic Counselors and IGNOU staff.
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