Adversities no hurdle for these gritty BU toppers

Two specially abled students stole the show at the 52nd convocation of Bangalore University on Friday.

One visually challenged student and another suffering from a physical disability received gold medals at the convocation amid loud cheers from the gathering.

Visually challenged Venkatesh M got a cash prize for topping in BA Carnatic music while physically challenged Boreddy Nagamalleshwari won a gold medal for getting the first rank in MA, Telugu. Venkatesh, who hails from Kolar district, pursued his degree at Acharya Patashala College of Arts and Science in the city. Congenital blindness, however, didn’t deter him.   “I am passionate about singing. I hope to pursue Law with Criminology after this,” he said.

Speaking about him, Venkatesh’s teacher Dr Rajalakshmi Sudheendra said he is a quick learner and has been enthusiastic about pursuing the degree. “His concentration and effort are what got him so far,” she added.

Nagamalleshwari, who hails from Andhra Pradesh, used her disability pension to pay her college fees. A polio victim, this achiever saved up the Rs 1,200 pension that was given to her for education. “I always wanted to stand on my own feet. I stayed in a hostel in Bengaluru to pursue education. I hope to pursue PhD,” she added.

Speaking at the convocation, Prof D P Singh, director, National Assessment and Accreditation Council said Bengaluru is among the fastest changing and the most dynamic cities in the world, according to 2017 JLL City momentum index.

Singh said Bengaluru has been ranked number one in terms of the speed of progress in property, economics and digital success. Ranks were given based on 42 variables, out of which education was one. He believed Bengaluru has excelled in providing quality education.
DH News Service