Shivamogga, DHNS: Poverty and death of her parents at a young age did not deter this gritty girl from excelling in academics. Pavithra C?G, raised by her uncle and aunt - both daily wage labourers - has bagged seven gold medals in Kannada MA along with a cash prize.

Speaking to media persons after receiving the medals at the 27th convocation of Kuvempu University on Friday, Pavithra said that she studied only in government schools and the hostel had become her second home. She hails from a village in Kadur taluk of Chikkamagaluru district. Pavithra did her postgraduation from a government college in Kadur.

“I lost my parents - Govindappa and Yashoda - while I was still going to school. My grandmother Gangamma became my guardian. My uncle and aunt Nagaraj and Bharathi encouraged me to pursue studies,” she said. The family had a hand-to-mouth existence and Pavithra chipped in by doing tailoring work during her leisure hours. She said that she had hoped that she would be one of the top five scorers but her joy knew no bounds when she emerged the topper. Pavithra wants to pursue PhD and take up teaching. Determination and perseverance yielded rich dividends for Pavithra.