Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar presenting a certificate during the convocation ceremony of Sreenarayanaguru Open University in Kollam on Friday | Photo credit: C. Sureshkumar
The defining achievement of Sreenarayana Guru Open University (SGOU) is its success in ensuring that higher education remains free of age and physical limitations, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar said here on Friday.
In his inaugural address at the first ever convocation ceremony of the university, he added that the higher education sector must serve as a pillar for nation building. He further reminded the academic community that modern curricula should not only guarantee professional skills and employability, but also act as a catalyst for meaningful social transformation.
Higher Education Minister R. Bindu, Pro-Chancellor and Chief Guest of the event, noted that the university has successfully provided further education to the marginalized sections of the society. “The open university is a major step towards transforming Kerala into a comprehensive knowledge society. The foundation stone of the building for the permanent headquarters of the university will be laid very soon,” she said.
Speaking at the event, Finance Minister KN Balagopal recalled the institution’s remarkable growth, which now has 76,000 students. “By offering a mix of traditional subjects and next-generation courses, the university has become a vital asset to the higher education sector,” he said. Dairy Development Minister J. Chinchu Rani said that SGOU is a unique achievement for the state’s education sector and a model for the entire country by providing a second chance to those whose higher education was interrupted.
During the ceremony, the governor presented certificates to successful graduates and postgraduate students. Vice Chancellor VP Jagathy Raj, Registrar Abhilash Babu along with various members of the Syndicate, University officials and a large gathering of students were present.
Published – 13 Feb 2026 18:53 IST