Prem Rawat Receives Honorary Doctorate from Indian University

}   5 min read

On September 30, internationally recognized peace educator and author, Prem Rawat, received an honorary doctoral degree from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU) in Hyderabad, India, in recognition of his tireless humanitarian contributions across the globe.

Mr. Rawat’s Peace Education Program, for example – an innovative series of video-based workshops that help people discover their inner strength and personal peace – has been offered in more than 1,500 educational settings worldwide. To date, more than 600,000 people have participated in this life-changing program. It is also used in more than 890 prisons and has been translated into 40 languages. 

Additionally, Prem Rawat’s Food for People program has provided clean water, educational opportunities and more than eight million healthy meals to disadvantaged children and others in need in India, Nepal, Ghana and South Africa.

“As a peace educator, Prem Rawat’s accomplishments are matchless and unparalleled. He has inspired audiences across the world to truly connect with their deepest self and a life of fulfillment, spanning over 100 countries,” noted BRAOU’s Vice Chancellor Ghanta Chakrapani in his introductory remarks. “In honoring him, we are honoring his contributions worldwide to improving health, increasing school enrollment and dropping crime rate, enabling local economies to bloom.”

What is an honorary doctoral degree?

An honorary doctorate (i.e. Doctor honoris causa) is an academic degree that a university confers without the usual requirements of coursework, research or a dissertation. It recognizes a person’s outstanding contributions to a field, society or humanity, such as achievements in science, the arts, philanthropy, social justice, public service or leadership.

Notable recipients of honorary doctorates include Nelson Mandela, Maya Angelou and Desmond Tutu. 

Video of the award ceremony. Prem Rawat’s welcome and remarks begin at 1:05:19

BRAOU was the first open university in India, established by the Government of Andhra Pradesh to expand access to higher education for all sections of society. The university emphasizes inclusion of students from marginalized communities, including people with disabilities, members of scheduled castes and tribes, and transgender individuals.

Today, BRAOU serves about 145,000 students and remains highly affordable. Annual tuition is about $50.

Excerpts from Prem Rawat’s acceptance speech

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those who have allowed this day to come forth and have this honor bestowed on me. The way I see it, this university opens doors and provides tools to the students, giving them the opportunity to create what they want in their lives.

“These are people who come from places and backgrounds where not that many doors are open to them. The significance of this university opening doors to these underprivileged people is amazing, noteworthy, and incredible – that they can be at the forefront of society, not in the background.

“It is my privilege to be a part in some little way of this institution because I too open doors. This is what I do. I try to open doors, not to commerce, not to innovation on the outside, but innovation on the inside. I open doors to peace. I open doors to human potential. And so in one way we both have a very profound objective that we are fulfilling.

“Thank you again very much for this opportunity.”

Related articles and links

Events Press