The Gandhigram Rural Institute (GRI) was established in the year 1956 by two close disciples of Mahatma Gandhi – Dr.T.S.Soundaram and Dr.G.Ramachandran. The main objective of the Institute was to transform Gandhiji’s concept of ‘Nai Talim’ system of education into social action.

The rich experience and unique experiments of GRI, especially in the field of rural development earned national attention. Since its inception the Institute has been trying to integrate teaching, research and extension in all its programs. Based on its academic excellence and service to the nation in the field of rural development, the University Grants Commission (UGC) conferred the Deemed University status to GRI in 1976.

In recent years the Iinstitute has started offering various courses under distance education mode. The Distance Education Centre of GRI was established in January 2003 to offer learner centered and socially relevant programs to meet the needs and aspirations of the needy and the un-reached sections of the society.

The Distance Education Council (DEC), New Delhi has extended financial support in the conduct of the programs and has agreed to extend financial support to establish a multi-media laboratory, teleconference facility and to help transfer its course materials into self-instructional.

The programs offered by GRI are training based and job-oriented. Certificate and Diploma Programs are offered as Concurrent Programs also and students of this University and outside Colleges/Institutions can register for these Programs along with their regular graduate/Postgraduate programs. The Programs are conducted under non-CBCS and non-semester system.

Read:Distance Education in India