The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has taken a major step to promote regional language education by introducing MBA study materials in Odia. This is the first time IGNOU has offered course content in the Odia language. The initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which focuses on delivering higher education in local languages.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan officially launched the Odia MBA study materials digitally at Jaydev Bhavan in Bhubaneswar. The minister praised IGNOU’s efforts and emphasised the benefits for students in Odisha. He noted that the initiative makes management education more accessible in their native language.
During the event, Minister Pradhan also unveiled the university’s e-GyanKosh and e-KUMBH portals. The e-GyanKosh portal will house the digital study materials. Meanwhile, the e-KUMBH portal will specifically offer online access to the newly launched Odia MBA resources.
The launch event saw the participation of notable dignitaries, including Odisha’s Skill Development & Technical Education Minister Sampad Chandra Swain and Higher Education and Odia Language, Literature, and Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj. Both ministers lauded the initiative as a significant step toward democratising education.
Professor Nayantara Padhi from IGNOU highlighted that introducing MBA materials in Odia is a result of NEP 2020’s implementation in Odisha. The initiative aims to promote inclusivity and offer equal learning opportunities to Odia-speaking students.
This move by IGNOU aligns with NEP’s 2020 vision while setting an example for other institutions to prioritise regional languages. Such efforts make education more accessible and help promote the rich linguistic heritage of the country.