Tumakuru: The 19th convocation ceremony of Tumkur University turned tense on Wednesday after rank-holding students were awarded cash cheques and certificates instead of gold medals, triggering strong agitation from students and parents and briefly disrupting the ceremony on the campus.
The unexpected development sparked widespread anger among meritorious students who had spent years preparing with the expectation of receiving gold medals as recognition for academic excellence. The situation escalated quickly into a protest at the venue, forcing university officials to intervene and temporarily halt the proceedings.
The controversy began when rank students noticed that gold medals were not being distributed during the convocation ceremony. Instead, the university handed over certificates along with cash cheques, a decision that immediately led to dissatisfaction among students who had been anticipating traditional medal-based recognition.
Students and parents argued that monetary compensation could not replace the symbolic and emotional value of a gold medal, which represents years of academic dedication and achievement.
“We don’t want cash; we want the gold medal that we deserve for our achievements. We have paid the prescribed fees but we have not been given the medal,” protesting students said during the agitation at the venue.
Parents present at the ceremony also expressed concern, stating that the decision diluted the significance of the convocation and created confusion during a major academic milestone.
While speaking with NewsFlash Daily™, HR Guruprasad, Tumkur Divisional Coordinator of the Student Council (ABVP), strongly criticised the university administration over multiple issues related to the convocation and academic governance.
- What was the need to conduct the 19th convocation in such a hurry
- Governor’s absence and delays in honorary doctorate approval without official signature
- Replacement of gold medals with cash awards has caused serious disappointment among rank holders
- Students are unable to proudly showcase achievements in their resumes due to a lack of medals
- The rising fee structure is creating a burden on poor and middle-class students
- Continuous fee hikes are pushing economically weaker students away from higher education
Guruprasad alleged that the absence of proper planning and inconsistent academic policies has created frustration among students who feel their hard work is not being adequately recognised.
He also stated that many students are now mentally disturbed as they were unable to celebrate their achievement in a meaningful way with family and peers.
As the situation intensified, students further alleged irregularities in the distribution of degree certificates. Some claimed that certificates were issued in outdated formats linked to previous convocations, raising questions over administrative preparedness.
Students questioned the university’s decision-making process and demanded accountability.
“If the university was not ready with gold medals, why was the convocation not postponed? We will not move from here until we get what we deserve,” students reportedly said while continuing their protest.
The agitation caused a brief disruption in the ceremony, drawing the attention of dignitaries and officials present at the venue.
Following the growing unrest, senior officials, including the Vice Chancellor, intervened to calm the situation. After discussions with student representatives, the university administration issued a written assurance that gold medals would be formally awarded to eligible rank holders at a later stage, replacing the cash cheques distributed during the convocation.
After receiving the assurance, students and parents withdrew their protest, allowing the convocation proceedings to resume and conclude without further escalation.
The incident at Tumkur University has once again brought attention to the urgent need for stronger administrative planning, transparent execution, and respect for academic traditions in higher education institutions. Convocation ceremonies are not mere formalities; they represent years of dedication and sacrifice by students, and any lapse in preparedness or communication risks damaging institutional credibility and student trust. Universities must ensure that such lapses do not repeat, especially in events that define the academic identity and future aspirations of young graduates.
