Bengaluru: Prema S, daughter of a street vendor and an MA Kannada student at the Centre for Kannada Studies, is set to make headlines at the 60th Bangalore University convocation on Wednesday by winning 11 gold medals, the highest among graduates. Prema is currently pursuing a B.Ed at Rajajinagara College of Education.

Academic journey rooted in Kannada medium background

Prema’s journey reflects determination and passion for the Kannada language. “I did my undergraduate studies in journalism, political science, and economics from Vivekananda Women’s College, Mahalakshmi Layout. But being from a Kannada medium background, I was in love with the language. I love teaching folklore. I had a habit of reading Kannada books from childhood. So, I thought I could switch to teaching,” she said.

Her family’s modest background makes her achievements even more inspiring. Her father sells watches on the pavement, while her mother makes chapatis for nearby restaurants.

Other top achievers

Among undergraduates, Hemanth AS from the Department of Civil Engineering will receive seven gold medals, the highest in his category. Hemanth, the son of an auto driver and a homemaker from Shivamogga, has secured a placement at Sobha Ltd through campus recruitment. “I did a diploma and entered engineering through lateral entry. I worked really hard and that helped me achieve this,” he said.

Convocation highlights

The 60th BU convocation will see 30,300 students graduating this year. Among them:

  • 19,819 students received distinction
  • 7,186 students received first class
  • 763 students received second class
  • 64 students will be awarded PhD degrees

Honorary doctorates

The university will also confer honorary doctorates to notable personalities:

  • UT Khader, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
  • D Madegowda, social worker and former MLC
  • TB Prasanna, founder and managing director of J P Agri Genetics

University officials stated that the honorary degrees were recommended by the syndicate and finalised by a committee constituted by the chancellor.

Conclusion

Prema S’s achievement stands as a testament to perseverance and passion overcoming socio-economic challenges. Her record-setting haul of 11 gold medals highlights the rising academic standards at Bangalore University and serves as an inspiration to students from all walks of life.