A National Conference on “Institutional Collaboration: A Pragmatic Approach for Transforming Distance Education” jointly organised by the Directorate of Distance Education, Pondicherry University, Puducherry and Loyola College Society, Chennai. The sessions were conducted at both venues—Loyola College, Chennai, and Pondicherry University.

The conference began Loyola College Society, Chennai, with interesting sessions that introduced the main themes of the event. The second and third days of the conference were hosted at Pondicherry University. The second day began with a welcome address by Dr. Arvind Gupta, Director, Directorate of Distance Education, Pondicherry University.

Rev. Fr. V. Sahayaraj, S.J., Director, PU-LCS Loyola College, gave the Felicitation Address. The Keynote Address was delivered by Dr. Harsh Gandhar, Director, Centre for Distance & Online Education Panjab University. The Chief Guest, Prof. K. Tharanikkarasu, Director of Studies, Pondicherry University, also addressed the gathering.

A cultural program was held at the Convention-Cum-Cultural Center, featuring performances of various states by the students of Pondicherry University. More than 50 research papers were presented by students, scholars, faculty, and industry experts. The three-day national conference encouraged useful academic discussions and stressed the importance of new and collaborative methods in distance education. It offered a good platform for researchers, academicians, and policymakers to share ideas, discuss challenges, and suggest ways to improve remote learning in India.

The success of the conference is attributed to the vision of Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. P. Prakash Babu, meticulous planning by the team at DDE - Puducherry led by Dr Arvind Gupta Director, Directorate of Distance Education, Pondicherry University and the valuable contributions of all attendees The conference report was presented by Rapporteur General Dr. Gurminder Kaur, Head (i/c), Department of Law. The Valedictory Session was addressed by the Chief Guest, Prof. Clement Sagayaradja Lourdes, Director of Culture and Cultural Relations, Pondicherry University and Guest of Honor, Dr. T. Srinivasan, Director, Centre for Distance & Online Education Annamalai University. Dr. A. Sarvanan, Deputy Registrar, Pondicherry University presented a vote of thanks.

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