Girl sweeps all 14 gold medals in agriculture

AHMEDABAD: The sixth convocation of Anand Agriculture University (AAU) will be held on Wednesday. The star attraction here would be 20-year-old Deepa Hiremath, who is the first girl in the university's history to sweep all 14 gold medals as well as a cash reward.
"It's a matter of immense pride as the university has 75 per cent boys and 25 per cent girls.Despite the small numbers, this girl has pipped all to post and walked away with all the gold medals," said AAU vice-chancellor (V-C) AAU MC Varshneya.
Deepa is currently pursuing her Masters in Agriculture (economics) at Junagadh Agriculture University in Saurashtra. University officials said the girl has broken all the records as earlier there have been two girls who won nine and seven gold medals, but never the complete sweep.
Meanwhile, Varshneya said 330 graduate, post-graduate and doctoral students will be awarded degrees at the convocation. Chairman of Agricultural Scientist Recruitment Board Dr CD Mayee will be the chief guest, while Gujarat governor and chancellor Dr Kamla will preside over the convocation function.
A special highlight of the convocation would be awarding Doctorate of Sciences degree to four veterans, who have made significant contribution in the field of agricultural sciences. These include Dr AC Pandya, Dr PD Mistry, Dr GM Dave and Dr Janki Raman, all four who have dedicated their lives to establishing new techniques and concepts in agriculture science and research.