The toppers in Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) PG courses this year are teachers. They have hogged gold medals and cash prizes in large numbers by securing ranks in the exams conducted by the Open University.

Having to deliver a baby even as the day of the exam drew near last year apparently did not come in the way of K.N. Gayathri, hailing from Mulbagal in Kolar, securing first rank and winning gold medal and cash prize this year. She won two gold medals and two cash prizes while earning the MA degree in Kannada.

Married to Chandrashekara Babu, a lecturer in Government Boys College, Bangarpet, after passing PU exam, Gayathri began life as a housewife. Encouraged by her husband, she got TCH training and started her work life as a primary teacher. Following further guidelines from her husband, she pursued studies taking up BA degree course of KSOU. She secured 5th rank and subsequently earned her MA degree in history, securing 5th rank. She also obtained her B.Ed degree scoring high marks.

Later, she decided to study for MA degree in Kannada, which she has now completed. Her child Diganth was barely one month while she wrote the exam. She received the degree as well as gold medals and cash prizes at yesterday’s convocation.

Another teacher, Madhulika Chandrakumar, hailing from Tamil Nadu, who studied for MA English, has won a gold medal and a cash prize. She first graduated more than 20 years ago earning the B.Sc degree and is elated that she still retains the enthusiasm and energy required of students. She is a teacher at Shishugriha ICSE school in Thippasandra, Bangalore.

In addition to teaching science and mathematics, Madhulika is teaching English for over a decade. Her son is studying at Mysore Medical College and Research Institute for MBBS degree. Having decided to earn a PG degree in English, she studied hard for two months before the examination, Madhulika said.

Shwetha, a Hindi teacher at Kanachur Public School, Neralakatte in Mangalore, has secured first rank in MA Hindi exam winning two gold medals. She told the media that although she used to be glued to the television much of the time, she prepared well for the exam.

Two students whose mother- tongue is not Kannada and having earned degrees in their language, have shown their love for Kannada by learning the language and earning PG degree and doctorate in Kannada.

Palani Swamy, hailing from Tamil Nadu, after obtaining a degree in Tamil language, has earned a PG degree in Kannada from KSOU. His thesis “Gundlupet Taluk: A cultural study” prepared after research and written in Kannada has been approved for the doctorate degree which he received from the Governor H.R. Bhardwaj.

Another non-Kannadiga who was conferred Kannada PG degree was Sushma Shankar from Kerala. Serving as Hindi teacher at a school in Bangalore, after earning a degree in Kerala, Sushma is learnt to have fallen in love with Shankar, subsequently marrying him and learning Kannada.

Courtesy : Star Of Mysore