Universal AI University’s 15th Annual Convocation Ceremony.

Mumbai, Maharashtra, 4th of November, 2026 : India’s First AI University, Universal Ai University, Karjat, celebrated its 15th Annual Convocation Ceremony on 31st October 2026, where over 369 graduates were awarded degrees across various academic programs. Mr. James Keyes, Former CEO of 7-Eleven & Blockbuster and Author of Education Is Freedom, was the Chief Guest, and Mr. Babulal Varma, Serial Entrepreneur and Business Leader, was the Guest of Honour.

The graduating batch comprised 348 postgraduate and 21 undergraduate students. The occasion was attended by all faculty members and 225 parents, who joined the celebrations to mark the milestone and support the graduates as they stepped into the next phase of their journeys.

As part of the ceremony, Nandini Agarwal, Satanik Chakraborti and Muskan Anil Chourasia received Gold Medals for their outstanding academic performance. Three students, one from UG and two from PG, were awarded Silver Medals, while two students, one each from UG and PG, received Bronze Medals.

Madhav Sharma and Nandini Agarwal received the Tejinder Kaur Anand Award – Student of the Year for their achievements and overall excellence. Devesh Ashok Pandya received the Gurdeep Singh Anand Award – Most Transformative Student, recognising his remarkable personal and academic journey. Ishaan Ghosh received the Young AI/ML Innovator Award for his innovation, creativity and promising contribution to the field.

In sports, Barka Mandal received the Usha Saraiya Trophy – Best Sportswoman of the Year, and Piyush Sinha received the Bharat Saraiya Trophy – Best Sportsman of the Year, honouring their dedication, discipline and exemplary sportsmanship. Dean’s Awards were presented to Naman Kansal, Lloyd Varghese, Hamza Masroor, Vivek Tripathi, Aju Thomas Mathew and Barka Mandal.

Addressing the graduating students, Mr. Tarun Anand, Founder and Chancellor, Universal Ai University, congratulated the class and highlighted the importance of education, values and confidence in shaping future leaders.

“This convocation marks the end of an academic chapter and the beginning of a new journey. The knowledge, values and confidence that our graduates possess are the tools for a better future. As they step into a rapidly changing world, I encourage them to lead with purpose, embrace innovation and use their learning to create a meaningful impact on society,” said Mr. Anand.

Mr. James Keyes shared his message with the graduates: “Do you believe in Destiny? Chancellor Tarun does… and so do I. The poem outside of his office, penned by William Henley, also represents the last two lines of my book, Education Is Freedom: ‘I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.’ To be the master of your fate, one must become the CEO of his life. To me… C.E.O. means that Change Equals Opportunity. Most of us, as humans, respond negatively to change. We are consumed in fear… of failure, fear of our own shortcomings or fear of the change itself. To overcome fear, one must learn to FLY. To me, F.L.Y. means First Lead Yourself. It is through knowledge, preparation and lifelong learning that pilots learn to overcome fear. So must we! There is no room in the cockpit, the boardroom or even in our daily life for the caveman-like ‘fight or flight’ behaviour. Therefore, through knowledge and our faith (Fides et Ratio in Latin), we have the ability to fear nothing… and in doing so… we have the ability to soar high!”

The 15th Annual Convocation celebrated the graduates’ academic journey and their readiness to enter a professional landscape increasingly shaped by technology and innovation.

About: Universal Ai University, India’s first AI University, is set on a 40-acre green campus built on sustainability principles, in the heart of a valley in Karjat, Mumbai. Established with a vision to make India a global hub for AI-driven education, the university integrates Artificial Intelligence across disciplines like Technology, Management, Design, Liberal Arts, Psychology, Sports and even Music. Recognised by UGC, it is the only university to have a global CEO as its Chancellor, an American Vice Chancellor who is an MIT, USA graduate, and an advisory board of 60 CEOs. It is also pioneering metaverse-based admissions and runs Univitt Technologies Pvt. Ltd., a technology company on campus that has provided AI training and consulting to several organisations — to name a few, MITRA (Government of Maharashtra), SAIL, Tata Chemicals, Spotify and Turner.