Visakhapatnam: Former Vice-Chancellor of Andhra, Nagarjuna and Banaras Universities Prof Y C Simhadri said that the distance education will rule higher education in the future.

The Indira Gandhi National Open University has celebrated its 33rd Foundation Day here on Monday at Regional Centre. Prof. Y C Simhadri, delivered the Foundation Day address. In his address, he highlighted the current scenario of the higher education in the world and in particular in India and prospects of the University system.

He hoped that in the coming days only Distance Education Institutions will play an important role in imparting quality higher education to the masses of the country. He proclaimed the services of Visakhapatnam Regional Centre of IGNOU in providing quality vocational education to the rural youth and students in the remote locations of northern AP.

On the occasion of the Foundation Day floral tributes were paid to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. A Photo exhibition was organised at Regional Centre premises depicting the activities of the Regional Centre and its growth over a period of 7 years.

A special programme was conducted to felicitate M Venkata Praneeth, a student of IGNOU, who secured 13th Rank in C.A. Examinations at all India Level. Prizes and Certificates were presented to the winners of various competitions for the School and College students in Visakhapatnam City and Sabbavaram village.

The competitions were organised by the Regional Centre in connection with Foundation Day celebrations and Unnat Bharat Abhiyan. Regional Director Dr.S Raja Rao, Dr. Dharmarao Gonipati, Assistant Regional Director, Sh.A L P Rao, Assistant Registrar, Sh.Suresh, Sh. Ramakrishna, Assistant Coordinators and others were present.