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What?s behind Chancellor?s medal?
IS IT a mere coincidence? Or is there more to it than meets the eye? For the second consecutive year, the coveted Chancellor?s Gold Medal will be awarded to the daughter of a head of the department during the Lucknow University convocation on February 6.
IS IT a mere coincidence? Or is there more to it than meets the eye?
For the second consecutive year, the coveted Chancellor’s Gold Medal will be awarded to the daughter of a head of the department during the Lucknow University convocation on February 6.
This year, the Chancellor’s Gold Medal for the best all-round student in all faculties will be awarded to Trijya Singh, daughter of head of the Statistics Department RK Singh.
Last year, there was quite a controversy over the medal between wards of two LU teachers following which Raj Bhawan had to intervene to settle the issue.
The remaining two Chancellor’s Silver Medals will be conferred on Archana Singh of the Social Work Department and Suman Khumani for the best woman student and the best all-round postgraduate student, respectively. One of these recipients is said to be close to a former LU student leader.
Lucknow University vice-chancellor RP Singh initially declined to comment on selection of an HoD’s ward for the coveted medal. However, when pressed, he said: “The selection has been made solely on the basis of merit.” Nevertheless, quite a few students have expressed apprehension about other considerations with regard to Trijya Singh getting a medal.
Last year, the LU selected Pooja Pandey, daughter of head of the Department of Political Science for the Chancellor’s Gold Medal and Aishwarya Singh for the Chancellor’s Silver Medal.
Following a representation by the candidates, Raj Bhawan intervened. It formed a committee that reversed the LU’s decision. It was a setback for the varsity administration, which claimed that there was no foul play.
The medal could not be awarded during the convocation and was given later.
But, Raj Bhawan issued a circular to all the State universities, asking them not to refer such controversies to it and settle them on their own.
Last year, Governor TV Rajeswar did not turn up at LU to attend the 85th foundation day celebrations, owing to a controversy. It remains to be seen what stand Raj Bhawan takes this time.
