Spandhana I., the daughter of an auto driver, graduated with three gold medals in the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) programme at a college affiliated to the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) this year.Ms. Spandhana studied at Padmashree Institute of Physiotherapy, Bengaluru. Her father, Indresh M., is an auto driver in the city, while her mother, Girija, is a homemaker.Born and brought up in Bengaluru, with roots in Mandya district, Ms. Spandhana said she had always hoped to do well in her studies but never imagined she would graduate with three gold medals. “I was manifesting success and expected maybe just one gold medal, but I never thought I would receive three. It was a huge surprise and made me very happy,” she said.Her journey into physiotherapy was not the one she had originally planned. Ms. Spandhana had hoped to pursue an MBBS degree. However, circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic changed her plans, leading her to choose physiotherapy instead.What began as an alternative path soon became a field she embraced and enjoyed wholeheartedly. Her dedication and hard work eventually earned her one of the highest academic honours in her course. Looking ahead, she plans to pursue a Master’s degree in neurosciences and continue building her career in healthcare.Coming from a humble background, Ms. Spandhana said her family’s support has been one of her greatest strengths. She dedicated much of her success to the support and guidance she received from her college.Two gold medals for MBBS student