The daughter of a car driver won three gold medals in the Bachelor of Physiotherapy
Spandhana I, the daughter of an auto driver, graduated this year with three gold medals in the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) program from a college affiliated to the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS).
Ms. Spandhana studied at Padmashree Institute of Physiotherapy, Bengaluru. Her father, Indresh M., is an auto driver in the city, while her mother, Girija, is a housewife.
Born and brought up in Bengaluru with roots in Mandya district, Ms Spandhana said she always hoped to do well in her studies but never imagined that she could graduate with three gold medals. “I was showing success and I expected maybe just one gold medal, but I never thought I would get three. It was a huge surprise and it made me very happy,” she said.
Her path to physical therapy was not the one she originally planned. Ms. Spandhana hoped to pursue MBBS. However, the circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic changed her plans and led her to opt for physical therapy instead.
What began as an alternative path soon became a field she embraced and wholeheartedly enjoyed. Her dedication and hard work eventually earned her one of the highest academic honors in her course. In the future, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in neuroscience and continue to build her career in healthcare.
Ms. Spandhana, who comes from a humble background, said her family’s support is one of her greatest strengths. She attributed most of her success to the support and guidance she received from her college.
Two gold medals for MBBS student
Prajwal Kashyap said his real motivation has always been to thoroughly learn concepts and improve his understanding of patient care. He plans to attend graduate school in general medicine before deciding on a super specialty. | Photo credit: TH
Meanwhile, Prajwal Kashyap, an MBBS student from Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, graduated with two gold medals and two cash prizes, becoming the second best player of the university.
Born and brought up in Bengaluru, Mr Kashyap spent his early years in Malleshwaram before moving to Nagarbhavi where he completed his schooling. He attributes much of his success to the supportive environment provided by his family. His father is an engineer while his mother, now retired, worked as a Sanskrit teacher.
“I was not guided by the intention of winning a gold medal. From day one, I tried to understand the subject well and these awards are just the result of that effort. My parents always supported me and allowed me to pursue what I wanted. They never forced me to do anything and always encouraged me,” he said.
Apart from examinations and awards, Mr Kashyap said his real motivation has always been to thoroughly learn concepts and improve his understanding of patient care. He plans to attend graduate school in general medicine before deciding on a super specialty.
BDS student wins double gold
Brinda said she never expected to win two gold medals, but she always gave her best in the academies. He now plans to continue his studies at university in the same field. | Photo credit: TH
Brinda MK, a student of SJM Dental College and Hospital, Chitradurga, won two gold medals and one cash prize in Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) this year.
Born and brought up in Bengaluru, Ms. Brinda comes from a family that values education and professional excellence. Her mother, who started her career as a teacher, now serves as a principal, while her father works as a software engineer.
Talking about her achievement, Ms Brinda said she never expected to win two gold medals but she always gave her best in the academy. She thanked her college for the support and encouragement throughout her studies. “It wasn’t something that was planned. I gave it 100 percent and my college really pushed me through it. The key to my success was consistent hard work, patience and hands-on learning experiences,” she said.
Ms. Brinda now plans to continue her higher education in the same field and is currently awaiting the counseling process to begin her Master’s program.
Several other students won two gold medals each: Sanjana S. Rao (AYUSH), ALN Rao Memorial Ayurvedic Medical College, Koppa, Rodrigues Praneel Melvin (AYUSH), Alva’s College of Naturopathy & Yogic Sciences, Moodbidri, Kavana BK (Pharm.D, Anganu Pharma, Prigancy Shri Shri Shri S. (B.Pharm), Acharya & BM Reddy College of Pharmacy, Bengaluru, Trupti Shanmukh Naik (B.Pharm), Srinivasa College of Pharmacy, Mangaluru, Vedika S. (BPT), Kengal Hanumanthaiah Institute of Physiotherapy, Bengaluru, Kalyani Bajpeyes Health Science (Alliani Bajpeyeye Science Science Bengaluru and Shruthika (Allied Health Sciences), AJ Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangaluru.
With inputs from Poojitha BV
Published – 12 Jun 2026 22:47 IST