When it comes to higher education in Malaysia, there’s no accolade quite as prestigious as the Anugerah Pelajaran DiRaja (Royal Education Award).
This isn’t just a shiny medal or a certificate to hang on the wall; it’s a symbol of excellence, character, and leadership, bestowed upon the crème de la crème of university graduates.
And guess who walked away with this crown jewel at Universiti Putra Malaysia’s (UPM) 48th Convocation? Anoushri D. Menon.
Yes, out of 6,000 students, Anoushri was the one to clinch this award, chosen after a meticulous selection process involving the university and none other than the Majlis Raja-Raja Melayu (Council of Malay Rulers). To put it simply: this isn’t just any award; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime achievement.
But as amazing as this achievement is, Anoushri will be the first to tell you that it didn’t come easy.
“If you’re just academically successful, that’s not enough to win this award,” she said in an interview with Varnam. “The biggest criteria are contributing to the faculty and university, and participating in mobility projects outside the campus.”
The Weight of the Crown
For Anoushri, this award isn’t just a personal milestone; it’s a symbol of how far she—and her family—have come. Coming from a humble background, she shared how the recognition has transformed not just her own life but also the way society perceives her family.
“It’s given my family so much respect,” she said. “And for me, personally, it’s enhanced my identity as Anoushri. It means a lot.”
As a proud member of the Malaysian Indian community, Anoushri also sees this award as a beacon of hope for others in her community.
“As an Indian, I’m very proud,” she added.
Juggling Dreams and Deadlines
Behind every great achievement lies a mountain of challenges, and for Anoushri, the biggest one was time management.
Balancing her studies with her role in the Majlis Perwakilan Kolej (College Representative Council) wasn’t exactly a walk in the park. Her responsibilities included looking after the welfare of students in her residential college, which often meant late-night calls and meetings that dragged on until the early hours of the morning.
“Students would call late at night to share their issues, and we had to be there for them,” she explained.
So how did she manage her studies with this jam-packed schedule? Discipline, pure and simple.
“I would wake up as early as 4 am to study, complete my notes, and prepare for tests,” she said, adding that knowing your own study patterns—like when you’re most productive—makes all the difference.
The Sister Factor
Every superhero has their sidekick, and for Anoushri, that role was played by her older sister, who, surprisingly enough, also won the Anugerah Pelajaran DiRaja in 2023!
“She’s my role model,” Anoushri said, with obvious pride. “When I started university, she told me, ‘Don’t just focus on academics—go beyond that.’”
And that’s exactly what Anoushri did. From joining university associations to taking up leadership roles and organising programmes, her sister’s guidance helped her navigate the demanding university life like a pro.
“She proudly brought our parents on stage when she won. I wanted to do the same and maybe even better,” she said.
Financial Struggles and Finding Strength
Of course, no success story is complete without its struggles, and for Anoushri, those struggles were financial.
Her family faced significant challenges during the pandemic, with her father—who was the sole breadwinner—losing his job. Even when he found another, the pay was lower, and with two daughters pursuing higher education, money was tight.
But these struggles became her motivation.
“I want my parents to be financially stable after they retire. They’ve worked so hard their whole lives, and they shouldn’t have to worry about money anymore,” she said.
She also offered advice for other students facing similar challenges, particularly when it comes to funding volunteer activities or gaining work experience.
“Many students think volunteering is expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Universities can help, and there are opportunities for voluntary internships that even pay a small stipend. Students just need to know where to look.”
A Legacy Worth Celebrating
Anoushri’s journey to the Anugerah Pelajaran DiRaja is a story of grit, determination, and a little help from her family. It’s proof that success isn’t just about talent or intelligence—it’s about heart, perseverance, and staying true to your goals, no matter how tough the road gets.
Her story doesn’t just inspire her fellow graduates; it sends a powerful message to anyone chasing their dreams: no matter where you start, with the right mindset and support, the sky’s the limit.
So here’s to Anoushri D. Menon—a shining star and a role model for students everywhere.
All the information are provided by Anoushri.
This is a Varnam Exclusive Feature! Any Reproduction Requires Credits To Varnam Malaysia.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news.
