LUCKNOW, July 29 -- Lucknow University on Tuesday announced the winners of its top three coveted medals to be presented at its convocation on July 31. The awardees, recognised for excellence in academics, social service and discipline, said they aspire to serve society through their chosen careers. Swaraj Shukla, an LLM student, will receive the Chancellor's Gold Medal for being the best student across all faculties. BA LLB student Shailja Singh will be conferred the Dr Chakravarti Gold Medal for social service, while BA student Shruti Kumari will receive the Vice Chancellor's Gold Medal for being the best NCC cadet. For Swaraj Shukla, 25, the honour marks the culmination of years of consistent effort. "I was clear that I wanted to work hard for this medal. I dedicate it to my mother and father, who are a homemaker and a government teacher, respectively," said Swaraj, who has co-authored a book on forensic science with Supreme Court advocates and co-edited two books on environmental law and constitutional law with Lucknow University faculty members. He had earlier received the Dr Chakravarti Gold Medal in 2023. Shailja Singh, 21, said she was a PCM student, but wanted to serve society by studying law. She said she maintained consistency in academics while representing the university at national-level moot court competitions. "My aim is to join the judicial services," she added. Her father works as an associate with the State Bank of India, while her mother is a homemaker. Shruti Kumari, 19, who joined the NCC in 2024, said she had never imagined receiving one of the university's highest honours. Shruti plans to pursue higher studies in economics and is preparing for defence services examinations or a career in the Intelligence Bureau. "It was my parents and my Girl Cadet Instructor ma'am who motivated me throughout the journey," she said. htc...