JOIN USProud Bangalore University toppers walked up to the stage on Friday as they were called to receive gold medals. Little did they know the gold was just a mention on their certificates, and not a real medal.
Of 203 gold-winners at the 52nd convocation, only 100 actually got the medals. Reason: the university says it has no money. The list was announced only a day before the convocation.
University officials had to face the wrath of students after the convocation. The toppers, hailing from remote corners of the state, had dreamt of taking their medals home. The chaos forced B Thimme Gowda, vice chancellor, to address the media.
He said that the awards had been instituted decades ago, and the interest was too low to buy gold medals.
“A few decades ago, we would purchase gold even for Rs 500. Now each medal costs Rs 3,375. Wherever the interest is low, students are given cash,” he said.
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.
DH News Service
Pay for it, says VC
Bangalore University vice chancellor B Thimme Gowda offered toppers a deal: they could get gold medals if they could shell out the money.
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.