LUCKNOW, July 16 -- Women dominated the 16th convocation ceremony of Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya (BSV) on Wednesday, clinching 60% of the medals awarded. The ceremony was presided over by the minister of tourism and culture, Jaiveer Singh, who presented medals to 48 meritorious students. In total, 255 degrees were conferred, comprising 104 undergraduate degrees, 148 postgraduate degrees, and three PhDs. Of the 48 medals awarded, 30 were gold, nine were silver and nine were bronze. Shweta Gupta, an MPA Kathak student who hails from a family with no musical background, swept a record seven gold medals. "My father wanted me to choose the security of a bank or government job, but I remained determined," Gupta said. Neha Qazi's success was equally hard-fought. After taking on family responsibilities at a young age, she braved societal constraints to pursue the Hawaiian guitar. As she was unable to practice at home due to religious and social restrictions, she spent long hours rehearsing at friends' houses and on the university campus. "Despite the physically demanding posture and painful strain on my fingers, I remained committed," said Qazi, who became the first woman in the university's history to win medals in the instrument. Meanwhile, Akanksha Rai pivoted away from her family's expectation that she pursue a medical career, choosing instead to embrace the physically demanding art of the tabla. Supported by her mother, her rigorous practice earned her two gold medals. Addressing the gathering, chief guest and tabla maestro Pandit Kumar Bose reminded students that Hindustani classical music is anchored in the nine rasas (emotions), noting that the spirit of Bhakti Rasa (devotion) is a unique gift of Indian heritage. In a written message read by officer on special duty Sudhir Bobde, chancellor of state universities and governor Anandiben Patel emphasized the need for a modern perspective on technology's role in art. She reminded students that while Artificial Intelligence can be mathematically precise, it cannot replicate the sensitive soul, the years of quiet practice, or the raw emotion of a human artist. She urged them to use technology as a tool without letting it dilute the spirit of their craft....