Cerebral palsy student wins big in Bangalore University convocation

Bengaluru: Praveen T.S. from CMR Centre for Media Studies was among the 168 gold medalists who were felicitated at the 50th convocation of Bangalore University (BU) on Saturday. He stood first in MA in communication in the university this year. His achievement is unique as he suffers from cerebral palsy, and has topped the list despite all odds.

Praveen, who studied in a special school till class VII, is an achiever throughout his student life. “The major problem that I faced at all stages of my education is discrimination. Even during my postgraduation, efforts were made to oppress me and discourage me. But my life’s goal was to achieve something special and I am happy that I have done it. As my condition does not allow me to write,” he said.

“Till class VII, I was like any other special child studying in a special school. I faced harsh realities only when I joined the regular school after Standard VIII. Our present education system is not friendly to special students. For example, I cannot write assignments, but there are no alternatives,” he said.

Praveen said that he has two goals ahead of him. “I want to pursue my higher studies in theology as I believe in Jesus Christ and his divinity. I also want to become a policy maker in the field of education, as in my student life, because of the policies of the government, I had to face a lot of problems. As a policy maker, I can influence government to bring in changes in policies and make education more disabled friendly,” he said.

His mother Sulochana Surendran was in tears when her son received the gold medal from Governor Vajubhai Vala. “It is a memorable day in my life. I struggled throughout my life for my son. On many occasions, I was forced to wage a war in the higher education department as policies are against special students, and the Commissioner for Disabilities, Karnataka came to my support. Even during his post-graduation, my son faced several challenges,” she said.

“I quit my job for the sake of our son. My husband works in Dubai,” she said.

VC files

Higher Education Minister R.V. Deshpande denied that Governor Vajubhai Vala has returned files related to the appointment of new vice chancellors to six universities, and said that the chancellor of universities has only sought clarifications. He also justified the trifurcation of BU, saying there is a lot of pressure on the administration and examination sections of the existing university.

8 gold medals for cycle shop owner’s daughter

Sandhya G.A. of Gowribidanur, who has won eight gold medals and six cash prizes, is from a poor family. Her father runs a cycle shop in Manchenahalli village. “Though my father struggles to make both ends meet, he wanted me to achieve something in my life. He admitted me to BSc, and I am happy with my achievement,”she said. She said she will pursue her MSc in chemistry.