Behind bars, 27 central prison inmates earn degrees at BRAOU | Hyderabad News

Hyderabad: Education behind prison walls took a significant step forward on Wednesday, as 27 inmates from central prisons received degrees at the 27th convocation of Dr BR Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU).Telangana governor and BRAOU chancellor Shiv Pratap Shukla said obtaining a degree was not the end of education but the beginning of a responsible phase of life. He urged graduates to set goals, work with discipline, continue learning and adapt to changing circumstances.“In a rapidly changing technological world, it is important to continuously skill, reskill and upskill. The true measure of education is not merely personal success but the service rendered to society. Educated youth must contribute to the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047,” Shukla said.The 27 inmates, including one woman, from central prisons at Cherlapally, Rajahmundry and Kadapa received 12 undergraduate and 15 postgraduate degrees. Among them, N Suresh of Rajahmundry Central Jail, who secured the highest marks in all his subjects, received a gold medal and a book prize.BRAOU vice-chancellor professor Ghanta Chakrapani said the university was expanding its focus on inclusive and digital education. “The true measure of an open university is neither its buildings nor the number of degrees it awards, but how many lives it improves,” he said, adding that the university was integrating digital technology with social objectives while expanding skill development.Former NAAC director and BRAOU former vice-chancellor professor VS Prasad said open universities had helped make higher education accessible to people of different ages, regions and social backgrounds. “Open universities have played a major role in making higher education accessible to people of all ages, from different regions and diverse social backgrounds,” he said, adding that the system had contributed to the democratisation of higher education.A total of 36,145 students received degrees, diplomas and certificates at the convocation. The university also awarded 38 gold medals — 16 in the undergraduate and 22 in the postgraduate categories. Twenty-three research scholars received PhD degrees and one was awarded an MPhil.Dr D Srinivas, DIG prisons, Telangana, and G Pramod, superintendent, Central Prison Cherlapalli, represented the prisons department. The department said education was being used as an instrument of correction, rehabilitation and social reintegration, with inmates encouraged to use their time in custody constructively to rebuild their lives after release.