On September 30, 2025 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.
