Reaching the unreached through geoscience and geospatial education at ignou for societal benefits

Earth is the only known planet having the conditions necessary to support life and our survival is depended on the earth's natural resources. With increasing challenges related to natural resources, natural hazards and impact of human activities on our physical environment, planners and managers require scientific input based on knowledge of geoscience among others to maintain sustainability of resources, manage natural hazards and protect our environment. Geoscientists and geoscience educators play an important role in increasing awareness, imparting education on importance of geosciences to society and also address these problems through their research. However, there are less number of institutions in India in comparison to other disciplines which are imparting geoscience education. On the other hand, courses on geospatial technology have been included in school and higher education curriculum in a wide range of discipline because importance of geospatial technology is well recognised for decision makers. The number of institutions offering geosciences and geospatial education to take it to the doorsteps of the learners can be counted on fingers. Indira Gandhi National Open University has been offering geoscience and geospatial education with an aim to reach the unreached for societal benefits through its vast network of regional centers and study centers in India and abroad. The paper reviews the status of geoscience and geospatial education in India. It discusses the coverage of geoscience topics at school level education and women's participation in science and presents results of a survey on the number of institutions offering geosciences education at different levels and the types of courses required. It also discusses the current Indian scenario on geospatial education and the challenges and opportunities in geoscience and geospatial education in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode.