Universal AI University Awards Degrees to 369 Graduates at 15th Convocation Ceremony

Universal AI University, Karjat, Maharashtra, held its 15th Annual Convocation Ceremony on October 31, 2026, awarding degrees to more than 369 undergraduate and postgraduate students across various academic programmes.

The ceremony brought together students, faculty members, parents and distinguished guests to celebrate the academic achievements of the graduating batch. James Keyes, former CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster and author of Education Is Freedom, attended the event as the Chief Guest. Entrepreneur and business leader Babulal Varma was the Guest of Honour.

According to the university, the graduating cohort included 348 postgraduate students and 21 undergraduate students. Around 225 parents also attended the ceremony, celebrating the graduates' transition from academic life to professional careers.

Universal AI University honours academic achievers

Several students received medals for their outstanding academic performance. Nandini Agarwal, Satanik Chakraborti and Muskan Anil Chourasia were awarded Gold Medals.

Three students, including one undergraduate and two postgraduate students, received Silver Medals. Two others, representing the undergraduate and postgraduate categories, were presented with Bronze Medals.

The university also recognised students for their overall achievements and contributions to campus life.

Madhav Sharma and Nandini Agarwal received the Tejinder Kaur Anand Award – Student of the Year for their exceptional performance and overall excellence.

Devesh Ashok Pandya was honoured with the Gurdeep Singh Anand Award – Most Transformative Student, recognising his personal development and academic progress.

The Young AI/ML Innovator Award was presented to Ishaan Ghosh for his creativity, innovative thinking and contribution to artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Sports and Dean's Awards presented to students

The convocation also recognised achievements in sports and extracurricular activities.

Barka Mandal received the Usha Saraiya Trophy – Best Sportswoman of the Year, while Piyush Sinha was presented with the Bharat Saraiya Trophy – Best Sportsman of the Year for their sporting performances, discipline and dedication.

The university presented Dean's Awards to six students: Naman Kansal, Lloyd Varghese, Hamza Masroor, Vivek Tripathi, Aju Thomas Mathew and Barka Mandal.

Chancellor highlights education, innovation and leadership

Addressing the graduating students, Tarun Anand, Founder and Chancellor of Universal AI University, congratulated the students and encouraged them to apply their knowledge and values to create a positive impact on society.

He emphasised that graduation represents both the culmination of an academic journey and the beginning of new professional responsibilities.

Anand encouraged graduates to embrace technological advancements, approach challenges with confidence and develop a strong sense of purpose while preparing for an increasingly dynamic professional environment.

James Keyes urges graduates to embrace change and lifelong learning

Delivering the convocation address, Chief Guest James Keyes spoke about the importance of personal leadership, adaptability and continuous learning.

Referring to the idea of becoming the CEO of one's own life, Keyes explained that the acronym CEO could be understood as Change Equals Opportunity.

He also introduced the concept of FLY, meaning First Lead Yourself, highlighting the importance of knowledge, preparation and lifelong learning in overcoming fear and uncertainty.

Drawing parallels with his book Education Is Freedom and William Ernest Henley's poem Invictus, Keyes encouraged graduates to take responsibility for their decisions and future.

He said that knowledge, preparation and faith could help individuals overcome fear and respond constructively to change, whether in professional leadership or everyday life.

The 15th Annual Convocation marked an important milestone for the graduating students as they prepare to enter a professional world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence, technological advancement and innovation.