Bengaluru: Toppers at Bangalore University were in for a surprise as they walked on to the stage on Friday to receive their gold medals. The cash strapped university handed out certificates with gold medal mentioned therein and not a real medal.
Out of the 203 gold-winners at the 52nd convocation, only 100 actually got the medals. The list was announced only a day before the convocation.
University officials had to face the ire of students after the convocation who were distraught that they could not take their medals home. Owing to the resultant chaos vice-chancellor B Thimme Gowda addressed the media and explained that the awards had been instituted decades ago, and the interest on their funds was too low to buy the gold medals which cost around Rs 3,375 as compared to Rs 500 a few decades ago.
The university had bought medals for those who had come first, he explained. “We have written to the families of the donors. Most responded that they had no interest in adding money to the existing fund,” he said.
The university handed gold-plated silver medals to 100 students. Students who had to go empty-handed said they were hurt. Khasifa has won five gold medals, but got just one. “It is disheartening,” she told DH.
“It is the first time I am getting such an award. It is not everyday that one receives an award from the governor,” said Prakruthi, an MA student who has won two gold medals.
VC offers a deal, asks toppers to pay for medal
Bangalore University vice chancellor B?Thimme Gowda had a deal for toppers suggesting that they if they shell out the money they could get gold medals.
Another option is to give them cash, and remove the “gold medal” on their certificates.
Najmussahar, a student who intervened during the press conference, suggested the university present achievers at least small mementos instead of the gold medals.
