Bangalore University gold medallists credit their single mothers for success

Maqsood Maniyar | NT

Bengaluru: Bangalore University’s (BU’s) 57th convocation brought to light the stories of gold medallists who had to overcome the hardships associated with managing studies while being cared for by single mothers while others were happy that their parents bucked society’s gender prejudices and allowed them to excel.

Bangalore University’s MSc Zoology topper Arshiya Naz, who bagged five gold medals and two cash prizes, said that it had been her late father’s dream for her to achieve academic success and that her single mother’s support had inspired her.

“It was a proud moment for me. It was my dad’s dream. When I was in my fifth semester of BSc, he passed away. From that day, my mother struggled very much. She even sold her jewelry (for my studies). I had wanted to quit MSc. I completed it in the end because of my mom’s support. It was a memorable moment for me,” she said.

“I got the gold medallists for two papers: Aquatic fisheries and cytogenesis,” she added. Arshiya disclosed that she had her eye on a good-paying job to be able to support her mother and the remainder of her family.

Soundarya Institute of Management and Science’s BSc topper Ram Kumar said that he too had his mother – garment worker – to thank because she gave him strength after his father died of cardiac arrest. He added that he had bagged six gold medals and as many cash prizes at the undergraduate level.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank my faculty members and especially my mother because she is a single parent and a tailor at a garment factory. Her dedication helped me achieve these things. Since my second year, I have worked from home after college hours in the healthcare industry as an authorisation specialist (for genetic tests). Both my work and studies were going on at the same time. Today, I feel great. It’s a good thing that I have made my college people proud. All the professors and my mother are very happy about it,” he said, adding that he wanted to be an IAS officer.

MSc Chemistry topper at Bangalore University, Archana K, who bagged seven gold medallists and two cash prizes said that she was proud of her parents for not listening to people who advised them to not educate her since she was a girl.

“People used to say, why are you educating these girls. I have a sister and a brother. People said why educate girls. They advised them to only educate their son. My father said don’t listen to what they say. You (girls) should become model students. They should feel like they should also educate girls after watching your success,” she said.

“I’m proud of my parents and professors for supporting me through each and every step. Usually, people think chemistry is tough. That’s their perspective, but if we have a keen interest, and work hard with passion, we can do anything,” Archana said, adding that she was interested in research.