Gold medal-winning students share their joy at the second and third convocations of the Maharani's Cluster University at Jnanajyothi Auditorium in Bengaluru on Friday.
Credit: DH Photo
Bengaluru: Former vice-chancellor of Karnataka State Akkamahadevi Women’s University Sabiha Bhoomigowda advised young women to develop a therapeutic perspective during her address at the combined 2nd and 3rd convocation ceremonies of Maharani Cluster University in Bengaluru.
She said, “Young women should develop a therapeutic perspective, and those in socially advantaged positions should recognise their responsibilities and work towards helping women who are less privileged.”
She emphasised the need to identify and uproot the root causes of atrocities against women from the grassroots level. Advising the graduating women to be cautious about competition, including from familiar people, she urged them not to focus solely on marks.
“It is difficult to win competitions based only on marks. Success comes when you first understand your skills and then promote them in the job market,” she added.
Highlighting the importance of girls’ education, Bhoomigowda remarked, “I have observed significant differences between young women studying in women-only colleges and those in co-educational institutions. In co-ed settings, although talented, young women often do not express their views clearly, think independently, or accept responsibilities willingly unless compelled. In contrast, in women’s colleges, students take on all tasks and responsibilities confidently and without hesitation. This is a phenomenon worthy of reflection.”
Speaking on the occasion, Dr M C Sudhakar, minister for higher education, expressed concern over declining student enrollment at Maharani Cluster University. “It is worrying that the number of students has decreased since Maharani College became a university. There is an urgent need to introduce job-oriented courses to attract more admissions,” he said.
The university conferred honorary doctorates to six eminent personalities, including senior actress Bharathi Vishnuvardhan, Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, former women cricketer Veda Krishnamurthy, writer and activist Du Saraswathi, classical homoeopathy practitioner Dr B T Rudresh, and philanthropist H N Usha.
Governor and Chancellor Thaawarchand Gehlot and Vice-Chancellor T M Manjunatha were present. A total of 3,573 students received various degrees.