Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Verma, speaking at the 26th convocation of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU), urged students to embrace the AI era with creativity, empathy, and ethics. "AI brings both challenges and opportunities. Adapt, collaborate, communicate—and keep learning," he advised. 

Praising BRAOU’s initiatives, the Governor lauded the SAMATHA program offering free education to Adivasi, transgender, and differently-abled students, calling it a step toward inclusive nation-building.

Highlighting lifelong learning, he stressed that BRAOU welcomes all—working professionals, homemakers, senior citizens, and even prison inmates. “Education here is a right, not a privilege,” he emphasized. He encouraged students to set meaningful, socially impactful goals and reminded them of Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy.

Chief Guest Prof. Uma Kanjilal, VC of IGNOU, noted that Open, Distance, and Digital Learning (ODDL) is reshaping Indian education by expanding access and flexibility, aligning with the National Education Policy 2020.

The University awarded 60,288 degrees, diplomas, and certificates—including 35,346 UG and 24,942 PG degrees. Seven transgender students earned degrees, and 86 gold medals were presented, 67 to women. Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) was conferred on poet Gorati Venkanna and peace educator Prem Rawat.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ghanta Chakrapani shared the university’s growing impact across diverse learner communities.