Mangaluru: In a remarkable feat of determination, a social work student from a financially disadvantaged background has secured the first rank, clinched six gold medals, and received two cash prizes in the masters in social work (MSW) course during the 104th convocation of the University of Mysore (UoM) held on March 3.
Smitha, who had previously excelled as a student in her undergraduate degree from Mangalore University, stood second in her class despite facing challenges such as the lack of a mobile phone to attend online classes during the pandemic.
Hailing from Bedrodi in Uppinangady, Smitha’s parents, Vimala and Bharat, work as a beedi roller and daily wage earner respectively. Despite their financial constraints, Smitha’s academic journey remained steadfast, supported by the encouragement of her family and the guidance of educators like Nandish YD, a professor of social work at Government First Grade College (GFGC), Uppinangady.
Expressing her gratitude, Smitha dedicated her success to her parents, friends, and mentors from GFGC and the Department of Social Work at UoM. She acknowledged Nandish YD for providing scholarships and motivating her to pursue higher education beyond the undergraduate level.
Currently employed as an associate researcher at Azim Premji Foundation in Kalaburagi, Smitha’s dedication to her studies has been noted by her family, with her mother Vimala humorously requesting Nandish to advise her daughter to take breaks from her rigorous study routine.
Smitha’s journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of education, overcoming adversity to achieve academic excellence and inspire others in similar circumstances.
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