Berhampur university to give gold medals to toppers

Twelve years after halting the practice, Berhampur University in Odisha plans to award gold medals to toppers of 21 postgraduate departments, the best graduate student in Arts, Science and Commerce streams.
Spiralling gold prices had prompted the University to discontinue the practice of awarding gold medals to meritorious students since 2002.
"We will make the system viable by reducing the quantity of gold in medals from six grams to four grams," said vice-chancellor Deepak Kumar Behera. Students were handed only certificates after the system was discontinued.
"The proposal will be placed for approval before the syndicate, the highest decision-making body of the university, on Saturday. After approval, we will try to introduce the system by the next convocation. A gold medal recognises a student's merit," the VC added.

The university has decided to write to contributors for an increase in donation to make the gold medals possible. These were sponsored by individual donors and organizations in memory of their dear ones and the contributions ranged from Rs 10,000 to Rs 2 lakh.
The system would be made viable by reducing the quantity of gold in medals from six grams to four grams, sources said.