The 74th Convocation of Gujarat University, held on Monday in Ahmedabad, was a celebration of academic excellence marked by extraordinary personal stories of perseverance. While degrees were conferred upon more than 40,000 students, the narrative that captured hearts was that of 25-year-old Dhairya Mankand, a student from the university's Upasana School of Performing Arts.
A Vision of Unyielding Determination
Dhairya Mankand's academic journey is a powerful testament to human spirit. Despite having only 10% vision in one eye, she secured a gold medal in her Master's in Performing Arts. This remarkable achievement marked her seventh gold medal overall, adding to the six she had previously won during her BA and MA studies in Sanskrit.
For Dhairya, the pursuit of knowledge was a daily challenge that required unique adaptations. Reading was never a simple task. She relied solely on bright natural sunlight to study, as artificial lamps did not provide enough clarity. "I could study only in bright natural light," she shared. Her study sessions were a race against time, seated by a window, trying to absorb as much as possible before dusk. When the sun set, her books often closed with pages left unfinished.
The Pillars of Support and Strategy
When even enlarged fonts became blurred, Dhairya's mother stepped in as her eyes and steadfast companion. She would read textbooks aloud, help revise lessons, and provide unwavering emotional support throughout demanding exam periods. Dhairya compensated for her visual impairment with immense discipline, meticulous planning, and the solid foundation of family support.
Her story stood out among the convocation's highlights, where around 200 meritorious students received a total of 342 gold medals. Dhairya's accomplishment moved the audience, proving that barriers are often overcome by courage and relentless effort.
Consistent Excellence and Celebratory Moments
Another standout achiever at the ceremony was Ravina Rajpurohit (24), who received the highest number of gold medals this year—an impressive total of 8 medals. These were awarded based on her outstanding performance in Semesters 5 and 6 during her third year of LLB. A consistent academic topper who secured the 6th rank at Gujarat University last year, Ravina's achievement was a moment of great joy for her family.
She recalled the delightful moment when the official letter announcing her medals arrived at her home while she was away. A neighbour received it, and by the time Ravina returned, her house was already filled with celebration. "Knowing that I received the maximum number of medals filled me with immense happiness," she expressed.
While Ravina's success story reflects remarkable academic consistency and brilliance, Dhairya Mankand's journey offers a deeper lesson. It reminds us that true success is not measured solely by marks or medals, but by the extraordinary courage to continue moving forward even when the path ahead seems dim. The 74th Convocation of Gujarat University was not just a distribution of degrees; it was a powerful showcase of diverse triumphs where resilience shone as brightly as academic prowess.
