MTSOU celebrates first foundation day in hybrid mode

Mata Tripura Sundari Open University (MTSOU) celebrated its 1st Foundation Day on March 2, 2026, in a hybrid mode (offline and online), marking a significant milestone in its journey toward promoting inclusive and accessible higher education in Tripura.

The programme began with the presence of the Chief Guest and other distinguished dignitaries, followed by a welcome address by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Masood Parveez. The ceremonial lighting of the lamp, symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge, was performed by Chief Guest Arunoday Saha, former Vice-Chancellor of Tripura University and a Padma Shri awardee, along with Prof. Masood Parveez. Other dignitaries present included Prof. Ratan Kumar Saha, Vice-Chancellor of Techno India University, and Prof. Bibhas Deb, Vice-Chancellor of Maharaja Bir Bikram University.

As a mark of respect and to honour the region’s cultural heritage, the Chief Guest and other dignitaries were felicitated with traditional Risa and floral bouquets before the formal proceedings commenced.

In his welcome address, Prof. Parveez highlighted the University’s achievements during its inaugural year, outlining its vision, academic expansion, and commitment to maintaining quality in open and distance education. He also extended a warm welcome to eminent academicians and Vice-Chancellors who joined the celebration virtually from different parts of the country.

The programme featured the presentation of the University’s Annual Report by Prof. (Dr.) Ghanshyam Singh, Registrar, who detailed the academic progress, institutional development, and strategic initiatives undertaken during the first year of establishment.

The event was further enriched by keynote addresses from distinguished speakers. Prof. Arun Diwaker Nath Bajpai, Vice-Chancellor of Atal Bihari Vajpayee Vishwavidyalaya, delivered a lecture on “Transforming Universities for Holistic Development.” Prof. V. V. Subrahmanyam, Professor at the School of Computer and Information Sciences (SOCIS), Indira Gandhi National Open University, spoke on “Riding the AI Wave: Reimagining Universities for Teaching, Learning, Research, and Governance in the Age of Intelligence.”

Both speakers deliberated on the evolving landscape of higher education, institutional transformation, and the growing integration of Artificial Intelligence in governance, research ecosystems, and teaching-learning processes. Vice-Chancellors and dignitaries who participated virtually also shared their perspectives on the University’s future trajectory and conveyed their best wishes for its sustained growth.

In his address, Chief Guest Prof. Arunoday Saha praised the visionary leadership and remarkable progress achieved by MTSOU within a short period. He underscored the crucial role of open and distance learning in “reaching the unreached,” emphasizing the University’s responsibility to extend quality higher education to rural, remote, and marginalized communities where access to conventional education remains limited. He described institutions like MTSOU as transformative platforms for social inclusion, educational equity, and regional development.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Janata Sadhan Jamatia, Assistant Registrar, followed by the National Anthem and a commemorative group photograph.

The first Foundation Day celebration reaffirmed MTSOU’s commitment to inclusive, innovative, and technology-driven higher education, strengthening its mission to expand quality learning opportunities across geographical and socio-economic boundaries.