Sikkim Manipal University, Directorate of Distance Education (SMU-DE), has been recognised by The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) as the ‘Best University in Distance/Open Learning’ at the 8th ASSOCHAM Education Summit & National Excellence Awards 2015. (Professor) Dr. N.S. Ramesh Murthy, director of Sikkim Manipal University Distance Education, received the award of excellence in education on behalf of SMU-DE from (Prof.) Dr. Ram Shankar Katheria, minister of state for Human Resource Development, Government of India at the ceremony held in New Delhi on April 18.

ASSOCHAM, a prominent industry body, has been recognising universities and institutes for best practices in delivering quality education in India, and honouring those who have contributed significantly in improving excellence in education, innovation, research and development in the country. The nominated educational institutes were evaluated on the basis of their innovation, scalability, their ability to overcome challenges and positively contribute to the progress of their students.

On receiving the award, Prof. Murthy, expressed, “It is indeed a matter of immense satisfaction that the university’s efforts to reach out to its students and provide them quality education have been recognised for the second year running, by ASSOCHAM. Our sustained innovative methods of academic delivery, enveloping the latest developments in technology and transcending geographical barriers have been focussed on making quality higher education available to the workforce of tomorrow, while adhering to strict regulatory requirements. In continuation of the spirit of innovation, Sikkim Manipal University – Directorate of Distance Education has launched Tab-enabled learning where students can log into technology based facilities including reading materials, webinars, quizzes and assignments in addition to the regular facilities. This enables the busy working professional to continue his education at his choice of place and time.”

Sikkim Manipal University Directorate of Distance Education has been the pioneer in adopting award-winning technology ‘EduNxt’, to make quality education accessible to the mass. It has been the constant endeavour of the university to create and provide innovative and industry relevant programmes to enable the youth to be job-ready.

Sikkim Manipal University (www.smu.edu.in) ‎is a unique public-private initiative between the Government of Sikkim and Manipal Education. SMU, a state private university, is recognised by the UGC, Ministry of HRD and is a member of the Association of Indian Universities. The Directorate of Distance Education, SMU is ISO 9001:2008 certified. Over the years, SMU-DE (www.smude.edu.in) has consistently raised standards to excel in distance education.