CHENNAI: At the 25th convocation of Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, 25-year-old EL Arunaneshwaran stole the spotlight by sweeping 23 awards.

A graduate of the Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal, his haul included prestigious honours like the Dorabji Tata Prize and the Tanuvas Alumni Association Medal for his 2018-19 academic performance.

The Dharmapuri native credited his success to his parents -- his father is a sugar mill accountant, while his mother is a homemaker -- and his supportive faculty. “This is a proud moment. I am grateful to my parents, who struggled to educate me,” he said. “My father was very particular about my education. The dean and teachers of various departments motivated and guided me, “he added.

Arunaneshwaran is currently pursuing an MVSc at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute in Uttar Pradesh. While completing his master’s, he is preparing for civil service exams with a mission: to become a government veterinary doctor and serve the farming community.