Girl students shine at Kuvempu University convocation

Girl students swept most of the gold medals and cash prizes at Kuvempu University’s 35th convocation, held at the university campus on Wednesday. Of the 79 gold medallists, 68 were girls. Similarly, of the 29 students who won cash awards, 24 were women.

Among the gold medalists, Abhishek H.M. stood out with 10 gold medals and two cash prizes, having secured the first rank in M.A. (Kannada). Speaking to the media, Abhishek, a native of Ajjampura in Chikkamagaluru district, said he aspired to become a professor and has enrolled in a B.Ed course in pursuit of a teaching career. He attributed his performance in M.A. to the guidance of his teachers and the support of his friends.

Raksha, the first-rank holder in MSc (Environmental Science), won seven gold medals, including the Smt. Mythradevi Yediyurappa Memorial Young Research Award, recently instituted by Shivamogga MP B.Y. Raghavendra. Raksha, a native of Kundapur in Udupi district, is the first recipient of the award, which recognises excellence in scientific research. She said she hopes to pursue research in ecology.

Srushti R., who completed her MSc in Biotechnology at Sahyadri Science College, secured six gold medals. Sahana Ganesh Shet, who studied MBA at Sahyadri College, and Sajana S., who completed M.A. in Sociology, won five gold medals each.

Where do the medalists go?

Prof. H.A. Ranganath, who was conferred an honorary doctorate at the convocation, expressed disappointment over the state of higher education in Karnataka.

Speaking to The Hindu, he said State universities were facing an existential crisis, crippled by inadequate funds and severe staff shortages. “Almost 80% of the gold medal winners and rank holders in the university are girls. What is the State offering to this talented pool? There are no opportunities for these students to return to the university — to do research or take up jobs. This is a very bad situation,” he said.