PU takes a year to name toppers

The mystery was,however,unfolded on March 3 the day the prizes were distributed and the decision on the positions was taken by the chairperson herself.

These three winners,Suman,Aanuradha and Gagandeep,stood first,second and third respectively. The three belong to Ludhiana and were guided by the same professor. On Wednesday they were awarded shields and certificates. The results for the correspondence source,were,however,declared last year,but the names of the toppers were revealed just two days ago.

Talking to Newsline,Suman who scored 63 per cent said,“In the last week of February we received individual letters from the chairperson Neelam Grover,University School of Open Learning,Punjab University,Chandigarh,stating,‘You are being invited to the annual prize distribution function going to take place on March 3 for your 1/2/3 position in MA-1 English held in April 2009 for correspondence courses’. We were confused about our positions and asked the university. We were told the position will be declared on March 3 on the day of prize distribution. It was a big surprise for me,when I got to know I have topped in MA-1 English in the entire directorate of correspondence studies.”

Suman who wants to be a successful English lecturer,said,“I am thankful to Dr D V Jindal who taught us. The credit of this success goes to him.”

Anuradha,a mother of two,who stood second with 62 per cent,had a similar story to tell. “It is better late than never. I am very happy,” she said. Gagandeep Kaur agreed it was a pleasant surprise for them.

The trio now wants to clear UGC under the guidance of Dr Jindal.

Jubilant over the success of his students,Dr Jindal,a retired professor of Linguistics,from SCD Government College,Ludhiana,said,“It is surprising that the university declared their positions so late. But their achievement is really commendable because they couldn’t muster as much internal assessment from the USOL as was generally awarded to regular students.”

At present,the girls are busy preparing for their MA Part II examinations to be held in April.