THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala's first open university named after social reformer Sree Narayana Guru was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday through an online video. Speaking at the function, the CM said that it was Sree Narayana Guru who led Kerala through the dark times into the path of endurance.

According to Pinarayi Vijayan, the people of Kerala were suffering from various issues such as untouchability, intolerance of caste differences, poverty and denial of education when Sree Narayana Guru politely invited them to social dignity and sympathetic thinking. Guru's teachings inspired people from all castes and this resulted in social reformation. Sree Narayana Guru urged people to fight casteism and other unjust practices in the society by getting educated and passing it on to others. Inspired by his principles, people got organised and fought for social equality, the CM added.

He said the open university will function by linking the distance education systems in the state's four universities.

People of all ages can study in the university where eminent teachers and experts will provide online classes.

Laboratories and other basic facilities of government and aided colleges in the state will be utilised for the new university, Vijayan said.

Besides traditional courses, courses on skill development will also be conducted in the university, the Chief Minister said.