Ignou function

Indira Gandhi National Open University (Ignou) organised its 28th convocation ceremony at the Indira Gandhi Science Complex, popularly known as the Patna planetarium, on Saturday.

The eventwas held simultaneously at all 52 regional centres of the open university. In Patna, 10,382 students received their degrees. Rashmi, a postgraduate diploma in human resource management student, received the university's gold medal during the ceremony in Patna.

Q. Haider, the regional director of Ignou, welcomed the guest of honour, Khalid Mirza, director of department of education, Bihar, in Patna.

Ignou has added three new programmes - postgraduate diploma in educational management, master of arts in philosophy and certificate in healthcare waste management - from this year. Mirza said: 'I congratulate all the successful learners present here and wish them a bright future.'

Women's affairs

Mellowdrama Entertainment, under the aegis of Save the Children, a non-government organisation, conducted a programme on women issues at Cinepolis on Saturday.

The event was aimed at inspiring gender sensitivity. Art, culture and youth affairs minister Ram Lakhan Ram Raman graced the event as the chief guest. State programme manager of Save the Children Rafay Ejaz Hussain, one of the key speakers, said the organisation was committed to cause of women and children, particularly from the marginalised sections of society.

Minister Raman praised the efforts of Save the Children as he said: 'Such activities must be encouraged to keep our talents going in today's competitive age and art can be strong method to promote gender equality.'