By Syed Zia ur Rahman, YaHind.Com
Hyderabad, September 30, 2025 – Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU) marked a milestone with its 26th Convocation held today at its Hyderabad campus, celebrating education’s transformative power and the opportunities of the artificial intelligence (AI) era. Telangana Governor and Chancellor, Shri Jishnu Dev Verma, delivered an inspiring address, urging graduates to embrace technology while staying rooted in creativity, empathy, and ethics.
“We are entering the AI era, which brings not only challenges but great opportunities,” said Governor Verma. He praised BRAOU’s inclusive initiatives, such as the SAMATHA program offering free education to Adivasi students and free ships for transgender and divyangjan learners, reflecting constitutional values of equity. He lauded the university’s outreach to diverse groups—working professionals, homemakers, senior citizens, differently-abled individuals, and prison inmates. “To the inmate graduates here today, your education is a story of hope and transformation,” he said, also commending armed forces members for balancing service and studies. Quoting Swami Vivekananda, he inspired graduates: “Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached.”
Prof. Uma Kanjilal, Vice-Chancellor of IGNOU, highlighted the transformative role of Open, Distance, and Digital Learning (ODDL). “ODDL embodies the National Education Policy 2020, promoting flexibility and lifelong learning through AI-powered platforms and virtual labs,” she said. She noted its resilience during the pandemic and its role in advancing India’s Gross Enrolment Ratio and Sustainable Development Goals.
BRAOU conferred honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) degrees on Sri Gorati Venkanna, a renowned Telugu lyricist and poet, and Sri Prem Rawat, a global peace educator working to boost school enrollment and reduce crime.
The convocation saw 60,288 degrees, diplomas, and certificates awarded, including 35,346 undergraduate degrees, 24,942 postgraduate degrees, 55 Ph.Ds, and 2 M.Phil degrees. Notably, seven transgender learners earned degrees, showcasing BRAOU’s commitment to inclusivity. A total of 86 gold medals were awarded—67 to women and 19 to men—with standout performers like Shaik Suhanarmin, Vinnakota Niranjani, and Dhantham Sandhya each securing three undergraduate gold medals.
A highlight was the graduation of 203 inmates from Central Prisons in Cherlapalli, Rajahmundry, Kadapa, and Nellore, with Doppalpudi Nagaraja Kumari and Gunakal Yugandhar earning gold medals. This achievement underscores education’s power to transform lives.
Presided over by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ghanta Chakrapani, the event was attended by Dr. Yogita Rana, IAS, Principal Secretary, Education. BRAOU’s convocation celebrated resilience, inclusion, and the promise of an AI-driven future, proving education is a right for all.
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