A high level delegation from Trinidad and Tobago consisting of The Senator Minister Fazal Karim, Minister of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education, Mr. Jaggernauth Soom, Permanent Secretary to Minister, Mr. Navneet Boodhai, Advisor to Minister, Mr. Curtis Manchoon, Chairman University of Trinidad and Tobago and Mr. Jwala Rambarran, Economist met the IGNOU team led by Prof. B.K. Pattanaik, Director of SOEDS on 5th January 2012. The delegation also had a dialogue with the Vice Chancellor of IGNOU.

Prof. Basanti Pradhan, Director, STRIDE welcomed the delegation and introduced the role of IGNOU in facilitating education to the people at world level. She talked about e-courses and staff and teachers’ training department in her brief speech. Prof. B.K. Patnaik, Director, SOEDS also mentioned the role of Diaspora in political, social, economic and cultural development.

Mr. Fazal Karim highlighted the strong bond between India and his diaspora. He spoke on contribution of Diaspora to the development of Trinidad and Tobago.He stated that many top level administrators of his country have their origin from India. Even the present Prime-Minister, Kamala Prasad Bisessar is of Indian origin. He reiterated the fact that the contribution of the People of Indian Origin has been important for the sustained economy of Tinidad and Tobago. He emphasised the need for vocational training centres and teachers who can provide knowledge and education among youth. Minister Fazal Karim sought IGNOU’s contribution in the emerging areas of education and training.

This was followed by an interaction with the Vice Chancellor Prof. M. Aslam, where honourable Vice Chancellor presented a brief overview of the IGNOU’s contribution in global education.