Kerala Chief Minister, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan today announced the setting up of the first Open University of the State at Kollam as a tribute to Sree Narayana Guru, the implementer of non- formal education and the beacon of renaissance movement in the State.

Addressing the media, the Chief Minister said, “Yesterday was Sree Narayana Guru Jayanti. It is the desire of every Malayalee to have suitable monuments to the Guru. The decision to set up the first Open University in Kerala in his name is being announced here. The Open University will be established on October 2, Gandhi Jayanti day. The new university will be headquartered in Kollam, the ancient port city and labour centre of Kerala. The Open University will be integrated with the existing distance learning systems of the four existing universities.”

The Open University will award diploma certificates to those who drop out without completing the course. The Open University will feature online classes by nationally and internationally renowned faculty and experts. The new university will utilize the labs and other infrastructure of government and aided colleges. In addition to the traditional courses, the Open University would also offer skill development courses.

“This will provide an opportunity for people of any age to learn. This will be the beginning of a big change in the popularisation of education in the State”, the CM added.