“Every woman's success should be an inspiration to another. We're strongest when we cheer each other on.” - Melinda Gates.

There’s no denying that women have long been striving for the credit, equality, and opportunity they truly deserve, and it wouldn't require a scheduled moment like International Women's Day to shine a spotlight on that.

Dr Subashini Ratha Pukallenthy, Misha Nanthakumar, and Khanmani Anpuanandam are among the women who have set a high bar to accomplish their goals.

Khanmani Anpuanandam - An inspiring school bus driver’s daughter

Meet Khanmani, the young lass who became the pride of her mother Parimala Raman, 52, by obtaining a Master of Veterinary Science (Small Animal Medicine). Being the first child in the house, her mother who worked as a school bus driver previously, lost her job during Malaysia Government Movement Control Order (MCO).

Despite facing multiple barriers, Mrs. Parimala decided to go the extra mile to make sure her children get fed and live a normal life.



"I wanted to prove bus drivers' kids can be successful too. I made my mom my idol and source of strength because she is also a single mom and this is the most meaningful gift for mom.”

Being the eldest child in her family, the 28-year-old young lass was honored with an Excellence Award from the Faculty of Veterinary in conjunction with the 46th UPM Convocation Ceremony. You’re not only setting an example for your siblings but for the rest of the women out there. Thank you!

Your MOM will be way proud of you, Khanmani!

Misha Nanthakumar - The Royal Education Award Recipient & Valedictorian

Tick Tick Boom…

“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” — Zig Ziglar

This quote suits well for the young prodigy who has completed her bachelor's and was bestowed with the prestigious Royal Education Award. Misha Nanthakumar, the Universiti Putra Malaysia’s (UPM) student has graduated with an exceptional haul under Bachelor of Business Administration.



Her formula for success for all undergraduates:

"Allow your curiosity to lead you to places you never thought you'd go - learn as much as you can and develop yourself not only intellectually, but also emotionally and spiritually. Always enjoy the process; good things take time, but it would be all worth it one day! Believe in yourself and never set limits!"

The Royal Education Award or known as Pingat Jaya Cemerlang is one of the most prestigious awards, awarded to two of the best undergraduates (one bumiputra and one non-bumiputra) in every public university annually.

Dr Subashini - From Polytechnic to UMK's excelling Graduate

Dr Suba has come a long way from her days at Polytechnic Nilai. Beaming with pride, the enthusiastic graduate of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) also emerged as the recipient of the Best in Entrepreneurship & Best in Small Animal Medicine Award during the oath-taking ceremony after the 12th Convocation Ceremony held.



Obtaining her primary education at SJK (T) Ladang Sungai Choh, followed by SMK Bukit Sentosa secondary school, she then decided to challenge herself by continuing her studies for Diploma in Biotechnology from 2013-2016 at Polytechnic Nilai.

Dr. Subashini completed her Diploma degree with a CGPA of 3.9 and spent the eight months by working at one of the Petaling Jaya veterinary hospitals while waiting for her UPU results.

She had a strong phenomenal passion for the field she intended to pursue, which prompted her to be shortlisted for one of the most demanding programs at UMK. With her constant hardwork and efforts, she was shortlisted for the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program, indeed!

Her success formula for all the undergraduates:

"Never give up in any situation. Believe in the flow of life. Work hard for it. At the same time, it should not be very stressful if it doesn't happen at that particular time."

A total of 5 years journey, perseverance, and dedication gifted her with her dream course she wanted to accomplish with outstanding performance. Perhaps, it’s not an easy feat for her, but look at how determined she was to complete her studies and emerged as a veterinarian.

Here's hoping that the young lasses' graduation will inspire more Malaysian women to follow in her footsteps to make their families, and the country proud.

Millions of congratulations, girls!

Image Credit & Source: Concerned UM Indian Graduates - CUMIG