GUWAHATI: Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (KKHSOU) held its 8th convocation today at the Zubeen Garg Auditorium, City Campus, Khanapara, Guwahati, where the Hon’ble Governor of Assam and Chancellor of the University, Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya, conferred degrees to 16,759 learners. Nearly 60% of the graduates, total 10,096, were women, highlighting the university’s strong focus on empowering female students and expanding access to higher education.
Shri Acharya lauded the university’s contribution to Assam’s Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education, noting that while the state’s GER stands at 18%, KKHSOU alone accounts for 11%. He praised the institution for delivering quality education at an affordable cost to marginalized communities, staying true to its motto, “Education Beyond Barriers.”
Renowned neurologist Dr. Nomal Chandra Borah was conferred an Honorary Doctor of Science degree for his exemplary work in medicine, community health, and social entrepreneurship. The convocation also celebrated lifelong learning, with senior learners Smt. Dipika Das Nath and Sri Keshab Ch Bora receiving their master’s degrees, demonstrating the university’s commitment to inclusive education for all ages.
Professor Sanjeev Arjunrao Sonawane, Vice Chancellor of Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University and Guest of Honour, encouraged graduates to remain adaptable in a changing world and continue learning throughout their lives while contributing positively to society.
KKHSOU Vice Chancellor Prof. Rajendra Prasad Das highlighted that the high percentage of women graduates reflects the university’s mission of equity, justice, and democratization of education. He also emphasized the university’s initiatives to provide free education to inmates in all 30 district jails, differently-abled individuals, and transgender learners.
Among today’s graduates, 22 received PhDs, 12,500 earned postgraduate degrees, and 4,237 completed undergraduate programs. Seventeen Gold Medals were awarded to top-performing students who achieved the highest marks in their final examinations.
The event also celebrated Ms. Cherry Marak from Ganapati village, one of the ten villages adopted by the university, who became the first postgraduate from her village, completing her education through full funding under the Mother Teresa Social Welfare Mission