India
Having done his parents and teachers proud by qualifying in Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY), S. Arun Kumar of Sankalpa Gopalaswamy College in the city repeated his performance in the II PU examination, the results of which were announced on Monday.
KVPY is a national programme, initiated and funded by the Department of Science and Technology, that attracts students to pursue basic sciences by offering scholarships. Those who qualify study integrated science course in prestigious institutions like the Indian Institute of Science.
Arun Kumar, the son of Shivanna, a banana vendor, and Manjula, scored 578 out of 600 in the PCMB stream. His background did not deter him from qualifying in one of the toughest examinations, winning a scholarship under KVPY, and repeating the performance in the II P.U. examination as well.
At time when professional courses are in demand for their monetary benefits, Arun has decided to opt for research in pure science as a career. “I was inspired by my physics teacher Seshagiri, who is a scientist himself, and wanted to emulate him,” said Arun. He maintained no specific study timings. “I studied at will but attended classes regularly,” he added.
Given the tight study schedule, he did not have time for extracurricular activities. He scored 100 in Physics and Mathematics, 99 in Chemistry, 96 in Biology and Kannada, and 87 in English.
