Odisha State Open University charts roadmap to AI-powered Virtual Varsity

The Odisha State Open University (OSOU) is paving its way towards a ‘Virtual Varsity’ equipped with an 8-Quadrant AI Module and the institution is poised to switch over to a novative ‘Virtual University’ to spearhead competency development alongside academic excellence & technology, said Vice-Chancellor Prof. Shyam Sundar Pattnaik.

Prof. Patnaik said this while gracing PRAYAS 2025, a 2-day National Conference on the National Education Policy 2020.

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Underlining the AI Empowered Office and the 8-Quadrant Module developed by the varsity that’s already functional on the campus, Prof. Pattnaik said, those days are near when the OSOU will be the first ‘Virtual University’ in its kind, to integrate learning knowledge, skill, competency and technology in real-time, smart and AI mode.

The all new Virtual University will leverage students with essential wit, competency, functional excellence and offer exponential job opportunities, Prof. Pattnaik added.

Lauding the Prayas 2025 session, OSOU VC Prof. Pattnaik said the Odisha State Open University will, at best, articulate the vision of PRAYAS as a transformational academic initiative, underscoring its relevance to institutional reform, academic leadership, inclusive growth, and societal transformation in higher education.

The 2-day National Conference PRAYAS 2025, a significant academic confluence, began on Sunday, bringing together eminent academicians, policymakers, and industry leaders from across the country to deliberate on transformative initiatives in higher education under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The inaugural ceremony of PRAYAS was graced by several renowned national luminaries, including Prof. Anil D. Sahasrabudhe, Chairman, NETF and NAAC; Uday A. Kaole, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Mahanadi Coalfields Limited; Praveen Kumar, CEO, TPWODL; Prof. Uma Kanjilal, Vice-Chancellor, IGNOU, New Delhi; Madhu Ranjan Kumar, former Jt. Secretary, MoE, Govt. of India; and Prof. Aditya Prasad Padhi, Chairman, Sambalpur Public Library.

Over the two days, the conference featured seven scholarly presentations across six thematic tracks, reflecting diverse perspectives and innovative practices in higher education. PRAYAS 2025 stands out as a distinctive academic platform fostering dialogue, collaboration, and policy-oriented discourse aligned with the vision of NEP 2020.

During the Wrap-up ceremony held today, Dr. Jitendra, Prof. of the English Department & Prof. Radhakant Suna, Odia Department, presented the reports on the session. While Varsity Secretary Chittaranjan Sahu introduced the dignitaries, RSS Western Odisha Pranta Pracharak Shankar Panda underscored the essence of the NEP conference.

Among others, Director, IIM Sambalpur Prof. Mahadev Jaiswal graced the occasion as the chief guest and Vice-Chancellor, BPUT Amiya Ranjan joined as the guest of honour. While Abhinandan Tripathy proposed the vote of thanks, the panel of educationists shared their opinion on the experience they gained here from the lively breakthrough.ssttrres