His Excellency, Lt Gen (Rtd) MM Lakhera, PVSM,AVSM,VSM today graced Joint Induction Programme cum Workshop on Developing Study Skills of Distance Learners organised by Regional Centre IGNOU at Vanapa Hall.

The Governor said that the rate of literacy in Mizoram is high but the avenue for higher studies is  not satisfactory as the Mizoram University is still very young and this where IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) is important for students. He urged the students to be clear in their aim for joining their courses as the main aim for education is for the students to stand on their own feet once they complete their courses. The Governor also said that government jobs are already overstaffed which leads to inefficiency therefore the students should try for self employment. The Governor advised the students that there is no shame in earning  their livelihood in any trade,  the Mizo Society being a 'Classless Society' should also inculcate the dignity of labour to the youth.

The Governor fecilitated 3 aged students :-
1.B.Rallianzula (68 yrs) who is doing BPP (Bachelor Prepartory Programme) 2. Jag Narayan Singh (59 yrs) doing MA in English and 3.Pu Lalnghinglova Sailo (60 yrs), Certificate in Poultry Farming.

Dr.Pankaj Khare, Registrar, SRD, IGNOU, New Delhi and Dr.A.Varadarajan, Dy.Director, EDNERU, IGNOU, New Delhi also attended today's function. IGNOU Regional Centre, Aizawl has been awarded Best Services Award in 2006, 2007 and 2009. There are 38 Study Centres under Aizawl Regional Centre and this July Session the total new enrolment is 2495; BPP 394, BA 1161, MA 568, Certificate 257, Diploma 100 and PG Certificate/Diploma 15.