Nalanda Open University

this time in Patna I made an unplanned visit to Nalanda Open University located in BISCOMAUN building near Gandhi Maidan. It is an unique concept as the whole university, classes and examination halls are located in this one building. The Vice Chancellor is an ex-IAS officer V.S. Dubey, the legendary IAS officer of the state. I am opposed to IAS as VCs and told him in so many words. But he was very mild mannered, soft spoken and humble for the position he held. He is an apparent right winger, but very diligent administrator. Knowing fully well that I am looking at his university from Delhi university standards, he sent me with a man to have a look at ongoing examinations. And I returned fully impressed.
All rooms were spacious and airconditioned, invigilation staff was vigilant and strict, cameras were in all the rooms and was being monitored from a control room where magistrates and police officials were stationed, and VC was present to conduct the exams himself. I saw examinees of all age and sexes. There were even some in their 60s.
Then Dubey showed me the study material which were not as sophisticated as those of IGNOU, but then they were all written by local resource persons and were easy to understand. I met the man responsible for Political Science Professor Rahi who was my teacher too and was as sweet and amiable as he was then. I would say the university is in safer hands.
I feel that this well managed university needs to have a spacious campus and more of publicity. Good effort and full marks to Dubey, the VC. I wish other VCs were half as approachable.