SAF Regional Cooperation Seminars - Karnataka State Open University

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Conference Mysore, India - 18th April 2007

KSOU is one of the largest distance learning institutions that SAF – India has worked with; it also has a beautiful, sprawling campus.  I was told by University officials that, as third party funding from institutions like the Distance Education Council and State Government is limited, all infrastructure and personnel related expenses are paid directly from the fees collected by the students – which is why the SAF Scholarship programme is helpful.

The seminar itself was very good and the student turnout was spectacular!  Obvious as it may be, many institutions deliver seminars in English, which leave local students in the dark; however, Professor Sudha Rao insisted on inviting experts who could deliver their addresses in Kanada and in English.  The Chief Guest, Dr. H.M. Rajashekhar, Chairman of the Dept. of Political Science at Manasa Gangothri, talked about the history of SAARC, its member States, and what the region should expect from the organisation in the future, including the recently adopted South Asian Free Trade Agreement and resolutions for certain ongoing internal disputes.  Professor Sudha Rao, also took pride in introducing Ambassador Singh as the recipient of an Hon. Doctorate from the University.

  

Karnataka State Open University

 
Most of the students that I got to interact with, said that the SAF Scholarship programme had given them hope and a sense of purpose.