Snack maker’s daughter bags 5 gold medals in MBBS

[email protected] (CD Network)
March 27, 2015

Bengaluru, Mar 27: It was probably the biggest day of her life as she finally added Dr to her name. Mangala Gowri, 23, was conferred with five gold medals at the 17th RGUHS convocation on Wednesday. And celebrating her achievements was none other than her father, Damodhar Bhat, who literally burnt the midnight oil making snacks to support her education.

medals

A smiling Mangala preferred to take the backseat as her father basked in the limelight, saying how proud he was of his daughter's performance.

The star of the convocation, though, was candid enough to admit that she never really dreamt of becoming a doctor; she only wanted to be the best in whatever she did. Gowri, who did her MBBS from Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, said every time results would be declared she'd be surprised with her own scores.

"I didn't take the entrance exam wanting to become a doctor, but I did well. That's when I decided to take up medicine and my family supported me. Here too, I never really tried to be a topper but only gave it my best shot," said a modest Gowri, clutching the five gold medals she earned for scoring the highest marks in MBBS, OBG, obstetrics and gynecology, among others.

For her, the best part about being a doctor is the respect this profession commands.

It was an equally good time for Dr Roger Lau Sie Long, a Malaysian, who bagged 5 gold medals for his achievements in dental surgery. Roger, who has already started practicing with a government facility in Malaysia, said he'd miss speaking the little bit of Kannada he learnt during his days in the College of Dental Sciences, Davangere.

"I came here on a government scholarship which requires me to work in my home country for at least two years. I'm enjoying my time there but I'll miss India terribly," said the 25-year-old graduate.

Forty-three students were awarded PhDs and 26,252 others earned their degrees at the convocation.

Addressing the fresh grads, Dr K Radhakrishnan, former chief of Isro, said when someone asked him how his team handled pressure before any launch he'd say he learned from the surgeons.

Rajivgandhi university 1

Rajivgandhi university 1

Rajivgandhi university 1

Rajivgandhi university 1

Rajivgandhi university 1

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News Network
December 2,2025

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Bengaluru: 'Nati koli saaru' (country chicken curry) considered one of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s favourites along with steaming hot idlis was on the breakfast menu at Deputy CM D K Shivakumar’s residence on Tuesday, according to official sources.

The spread also included 'nati koli' fry, vada and pongal, among other items, they said.

In an apparent show of unity, Siddaramaiah visited Shivakumar’s residence for breakfast, just days after the two leaders shared a meal amid a simmering power tussle in the state Congress.

Siddaramaiah drove to the Deputy CM’s residence in Sadashivanagar, where he was received by Shivakumar and his brother D K Suresh, who is a former Congress MP.

Suresh and Kunigal MLA H D Ranganath, a relative of Shivakumar, joined them for breakfast, which featured a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

Speaking to reporters later, Siddaramaiah said Shivakumar had invited him during his visit to the CM’s residence for breakfast on Saturday.

Asked about the difference between the two meals, the chief minister said, "At his (Shivakumar’s) house it was non-veg, while at my house it was veg. He is a vegetarian, I am a non-vegetarian. I had not prepared non-veg. I told DK to get chicken from the village as you won’t get the original in Bengaluru."

Shivakumar said he had initially invited Siddaramaiah to his residence, but the CM had suggested visiting his place first and reciprocating later. "It was a vegetarian breakfast at the CM’s house on Saturday," he noted.

"Today, I invited him (the CM) to my house. He enjoyed the breakfast, which had his Mysuru taste," Shivakumar added. At this point, Siddaramaiah remarked that Shivakumar’s wife is also from Mysuru.

Saturday’s breakfast at Siddaramaiah’s official residence, held as part of efforts by the Congress high command to ease tensions in the leadership dispute between the two, reportedly included idlis and sambar, according to official sources.

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December 2,2025

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Udupi, Dec 2: A wave of regional pride is sweeping through Udupi district as Shagun S Verma Hegde, a talented Class 9 student from Christ King English Medium High School, Karkala, has been named the captain of the Indian National Team for the Under-15 Girls’ Volleyball Championship.

Shagun holds the unique distinction of being the sole player from Karnataka selected to represent the country in the prestigious international tournament. The championship, organized by the School Games Federation, is scheduled to take place in Shangluo, China, from December 3 to 13, where Shagun will lead the national squad.

A Remarkable Journey to the Top

Shagun’s selection is a testament to her dedication and exceptional skill on the court. Her journey included several rigorous rounds of selection:

•    She was the only player from Udupi district to qualify for the state-level selection camp.

•    Out of eight players from Karnataka who advanced to the national selection camp in Pune, Maharashtra, Shagun was the only one to secure a place in the final national squad.

•    The national camp saw participation from approximately 200 players, which was shortlisted to 23. Shagun not only made the final cut but was also ranked as the second-best player overall, solidifying her leadership role.

Shagun, who is the daughter of Sandesh Verma and Shruthiraj of Kallotte, Karkala, has trained under experienced coaches Santosh D’Souza, Jeevan D’Silva, Jairaj Poojary, and Ramesh. Her selection as the team captain has brought profound honour to her family, school, the Udupi district, and the entire state of Karnataka.

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News Network
November 30,2025

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Mangaluru, Nov 30: A 22-year-old college student succumbed to her injuries at a private hospital in Mangaluru today, days after she was hit by a goods tempo while crossing a road in Padubidri.

The deceased has been identified as Preksha, a resident of Nadsalu Billitota in Padubidri. The fatal incident occurred as Preksha, who was returning home after completing her examination, attempted to cross the service road towards Mangaluru. She was struck by a goods tempo approaching from the Udupi side, causing her to fall and sustain a severe head injury.

Prompt action from local residents ensured she received immediate first aid before being rushed to a hospital in Mangaluru for specialised treatment. Despite medical efforts, she passed away while undergoing care.

Preksha was a student at Karavali College, Vamanjoor on the outskirts of Mangaluru city. The tragedy is compounded by the fact that she belonged to a financially vulnerable family, having previously lost her father. She is survived by her mother and brother.

A case related to the accident has been registered at the Padubidri police station, and an investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances that led to the collision. The incident highlights the growing concerns over road safety, particularly on busy service roads, and serves as a tragic reminder of the human cost of traffic accidents.

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