Krishna Kanta Handiqui Open Univ receives international award

Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University, the only state open university in the northeast, has been conferred the international 'Excellence in Institutional Achievement' award for 2011-2013 by Canada-based Commonwealth of Learning (COL).
The award, given at a special function of the 7th Pan Commonwealth Forum for Open Learning held in the Nigerian capital Abuja last week, was received by the university vice chancellor Srinath Baruah, according to a press release issued today.
KKHSOU was one of the two universities selected for the award from among 53 Commonwealth countries by COL for the year 2011-2013.
"This is a rare feat and great honour for the university, by not only enhancing its status but also providing it with the much-needed encouragement to all associated with the spread of open and distance learning in this part of the country in general and the university in particular," Assam Governor and chancellor of the university J B Patnaik said in his congratulation message.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said this was a "matter of pride and achievement not only for Assam but also for the entire educational scenario of India".
COL, an intergovernmental organisation of the Commonwealth countries, committed to spread the reach of Open and Distance Education, examines and recognises the contributions of the ODL institutions of the Commonwealth countries.