Oral histories and engaged perspectives: In conversation with Asha Kanwar

Abstract

This interview with Professor Asha Kanwar, former President of the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) and a pioneering advocate of open and distance education, explores her extensive contributions to the field and provides critical insights into the evolution of open universities. Tracing her career trajectory from the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) to her presidency at COL, Professor Kanwar reflects on the transformative role of open, distance, and digital education (ODDE) in promoting equitable access to education globally. She addresses contemporary challenges in higher education and the pivotal role of ODDE in the context of global crises, such as armed conflicts, climate-induced displacement, and the COVID-19 pandemic. She discusses the practical strategies implemented to support learners in disrupted environments. As a female leader in a traditionally male-dominated space, Professor Kanwar offers a nuanced perspective on gender and leadership within the academic community. This interview contributes to the scholarly discourse by documenting her vision and strategic interventions in advancing the global ODDE agenda.