Hyderabad: Telangana Governor and university chancellor Jishnu Dev Verma urged youth to take inspiration from housewives, women and prisoners who pursued education and seized opportunities. He addressed the 26th convocation of Dr B.R. Ambedkar Open University on Tuesday.
The Governor noted that students had many opportunities. However, he stressed that they must also build technical skills and digital literacy. In addition, he praised the university for its role in digital education, skill empowerment and employability. He further commended its outreach for tribal students, transgender learners, and the differently abled.
Women and prisoners set new examples
Verma described the institution as a platform for employees, housewives, senior citizens and prisoners to continue their studies. Notably, two of the 203 prisoners who graduated this year secured gold medals. He called their success a sign of personal transformation.
IGNOU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Uma Kanjilal, the chief guest, said technology had become central to education. Moreover, she explained that digital and distance learning now drive India’s education system. She added that the National Education Policy 2020 endorses this shift. Consequently, she praised Ambedkar University for advancing skills through MOOCs.
Awards and achievements
The convocation honoured lyricist and poet Gorati Venkanna for his service to Telugu literature. It also recognised author Prem Rawat for global peace education. The Governor and Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ghanta Chakrapani, both received honorary doctorates.
This year, 60,288 students qualified for certificates. Among them, 32,373 were women. Seven transgender students also received degrees. Out of 86 gold medals, women claimed 67 and men secured 19. Prisoners also stood out. Rajamahendravaram Central Jail inmate Doppalapudi Nagaraja Kumari won a gold medal in postgraduate studies. Meanwhile, Kadapa Central Jail’s Gunakal Yugandhar secured a degree-level gold medal.
Government support and reforms
The Telangana government granted ₹25 crore for the university’s development. It also sanctioned ₹100 crore under the SC Sub-Plan for a bridge research centre.
Presenting the annual report, Vice-Chancellor Chakrapani highlighted reforms. He pointed to CBCS in ODL, apprenticeship MoUs with industry, and women’s empowerment programmes under “We Enable.” Furthermore, he mentioned the tie-up with Telangana Police.
From 2025–26, the university will offer free education to underprivileged tribal communities such as Gond, Koya and Chenchu. It already provides free education for transgender and differently abled students.
Board members, Education Department Principal Secretary Dr Yogita Rana, deans and directors attended the ceremony.