Indira Gandhi National Open University(IGNOU) इंदिरा गांधी राष्ट्रीय मुक्त विश्वविद्यालय (इग्नू)
The Public Information Unit (PIU) of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) serves as the central communication, publicity, and media relations arm of the University. Since its inception, the Unit has played a pivotal role in documenting, publicizing, and disseminating the activities, achievements, and initiatives of IGNOU to stakeholders and the larger public.
PIU chronicles the history of the University through photographs, reports, newsletters, media releases, and digital content. Its pioneering initiatives include the preparation of the pictorial history book “The People’s University”, the launch and management of official social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), and the design and dissemination of the University’s digital newsletter PRAGATHI PATH (formerly Digi News), which has published over 8,000 pages to date.
In the digital era, PIU has established IGNOU as a visible and vibrant presence in both print and electronic media. It has successfully conducted over 350 live lecture sessions on Facebook during the COVID-19 pandemic, arranged press conferences during Convocations, collaborated with major national media houses such as PTI, Doordarshan, SANSAD TV, AIR, ANI, & other Electronic Media and engaged directly with learners through “Hello IGNOU” interactive sessions through Facebook Live Sessions. Recently, in coordination with the Regional Services Division (RSD), PIU also conducted Facebook Live sessions by IGNOU Schools and Regional Centres from across India for promoting admissions during the July 2025 cycle, ensuring wider outreach and real-time learner engagement.
PIU also provides crucial services such as content creation, photography, videography, QR code development, SMS outreach, publicity campaigns, and academic counselling support through social platforms. By integrating traditional media with modern digital outreach, PIU has become a bridge between IGNOU and its diverse stakeholders, enhancing transparency, visibility, and accessibility of the University’s initiatives.
Public Information Unit was established in 1999.
Details of Public Relation Officers since Establishment of the Public Information Unit (1999).
| Sl. No. | Name | Tenure Period From | Tenure Period Till |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shri Ravi Mohan, CPRO | September, 1987 | 30th June, 2016 |
| 2 | Dr. Pankaj Khare (I/C) PIU | 6th July, 2016 | 4th November, 2016 |
| 3 | Prof. (Ms.) Kiron Bansal (I/C) PIU | 4th November, 2016 | 8th March, 2017 |
| 4 | Dr. Purnedu Tripathi (I/C PIU) | 8th March, 2017 | 23rd Feb, 2018 |
| 5 | Shri Rajesh Sharma (I/C) PIU | 23rd Feb, 2023 | 27th September, 2023 |
| 6 | Shri Rajesh Sharma PRO | 27th September, 2023 | - |
Message from the Public Relations Officer, IGNOU
As the Public Relations Officer and the Head of the Public Information Unit (PIU), I take this opportunity to highlight PIU’s pivotal role as the communication bridge between the University and its diverse stakeholders.
At PIU, we are committed to ensuring that authentic, timely, and relevant information about IGNOU’s academic programmes, admissions, examinations, new initiatives, and institutional achievements reaches our learners, faculty, media, and the wider public.
Our mandate encompasses;Public Relations & Publicity: Strengthening the University’s presence across print, electronic, and digital platforms, while ensuring comprehensive coverage of key developments; Bringing out प्रगतिपथविश्वविद्यालयसमाचार, our daily digital newsletter that captures IGNOU’s institutional activities, regional center events, and special initiatives, thereby creating a shared information space within the University community; Actively managing IGNOU’s official social media handles—Facebook (@OfficialPageIGNOU), Twitter (@OfficialIGNOU), and Instagram (@officialpageignou)—to share student-centric information, live lectures, events, and important updates from the Ministry of Education; Documenting landmark events like Convocations, Foundation Day, Republic Day, Independence Day, as well as Government-led initiatives like Swachh Bharat and Fit India.
In addition, I play the role of Social Media Champion for the University, liaising directly with the Ministry of Education, Government of India, to align IGNOU’s outreach with national-level social media campaigns and initiatives in the higher education sphere.
With @OfficialIGNOU being the most-followed Central University handle on Twitter (152K followers), PIU continues to address queries, engage with students, and strengthen the University’s digital presence.
Through these efforts, the PIU remains steadfast in its mission to uphold IGNOU’s image as The People’s University and to keep every stakeholder informed, engaged, and connected.
Rajesh Sharma (President of India Awardee for the Best Bharat Scouts and Guides Rover)
Public Relations Officer / Social Media Champion
Block-11 Room No. 13 B
Maidan Garhi, IGNOU Campus
New Delhi-110068
