'We are a melting pot of contrasts and colours'

Hyderabad: The 23rd convocation of Dr B R Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU) was celebrated at its campus, Jubilee Hills on Monday.

The Chief Guest was Padmashri (Prof) Goverdhan Mehta, University Distinguished Professor and Dr Kallam Anji Reddy, Chair, School of Chemistry, University of Hyderabad.

In his convocation address on "For an inclusive and inspirational India: A way forward", he said " Over the years, you seem to have served this cause well. But, open-learning, your core activity, is an arena in ferment as learning anything, anytime, anywhere paradigm has emerged and the digital transition to 24X7learning mode is taking shape.

For an open university, this offers an opportunity and a challenge for technology adaptation, ushering innovations in teaching learning processes to enhance employability, ensuring quality and imparting an ability to change lanes as and when required.

Continuing his address, he said: 'Let me first emphasise the fundamental importance of understanding the complexities and diversity of India and the social responsibilities and unifying role of the new generation like yours

. Let us be reminded that we are a 'rainbow nation', a melting pot of contrasts and colors, where past, present and future, coalesce and coexist in a complex social milieu and we justifiably celebrate our unity in diversity.

Today, we live in a dynamic world of shrinking geographies and time domains but where innovation spaces and opportunities are expanding. In these momentous times, India, given our growing economy, demographic advantage and democratic polity is perceived to be a powerhouse of opportunities.

So young friends, never stop dreaming and dream big about things that never were. Cultivate a keen sense of observation and let it power your imagination and make a transition from asking only why to why not' he added.

Earlier University Vice-Chancellor Prof K Seetharama Rao, conducted the proceeding of the convocation and presented one-year activities of the university.

Prof. Rao emphasised that technology-based and skill-based courses playing major role to provide employment opportunities to the students. Education plays an essential role in nurturing civilised societies that believe in tolerance and peace.

Therefore, we must invest in our children because children, like a blank slate, can be taught tolerance and co-existence instead of hatred and sectarianism. Education is the basic means in removing gender bias; reduce poverty and is that which solves a number of other severe confrontations of the society.

Education improves the socio-economic productivity and global development.

Prof A Sudhakar, Director (Academic); Prof C Venkataiah, Registrar; Deans of the Respective Faculties, Directors were present. In this Convocation Total33, 487 students were awarded Degrees / Diplomas / Certificates.

11 Research Scholars are awarded M Phil and Ph D Degrees at this Convocation, of which 02 Scholars received M Phil Degrees and 09 Research Scholars received Ph D Degrees.

The University awarded a total of 34 Gold Medals (U.G – 13 and P.G – 21) and 05 Book Prizes (U.G – 03 and P.G – 02). Karnala Ashwini got Three Gold Medals for securing highest marks in BA/B.Com/ B.Sc; Eluri Varun got Two Gold Medals for securing highest marks in B Com and K Vijaya Latha got Two Gold Medals for securing highest aggregate marks in MBA.

96 prisoners from (Central Prisons Cherlapalli, Rajahmundry, Warangal and Kadapa) (88 Male & 8 Female) were conferred Degrees during this Convocation.