Davangere, Karnataka, Feb 9 – In a rare and inspiring academic achievement, a couple from Karnataka secured their PhD degrees on the same day and at the same convocation, creating a proud moment for the state’s higher education community. Dr. Praphulla Chandra N and Dr. Sowmya S, both accomplished scholars, were awarded their Doctor of Philosophy degrees by Davangere University during its 13th Convocation Ceremony, held on January 30, 2026, in Davangere. The degrees were formally conferred by the Hon’ble Governor of Karnataka, adding prestige to an already momentous occasion.
This exceptional accomplishment highlights not only individual academic excellence but also the power of shared intellectual journeys. The story of this couple from Karnataka securing PhD degrees at the same convocation has quickly drawn attention across academic, research, and education circles.
A Proud Moment for Karnataka’s Academic Community
The simultaneous conferment of PhD degrees to a married couple at the same convocation is an uncommon occurrence in Indian academia. It stands as a powerful symbol of perseverance, mutual encouragement, and scholarly dedication. For Davangere University, the event marked another milestone in its continued contribution to advanced research and knowledge creation.
Both scholars pursued doctoral research in the field of commerce and management studies, addressing contemporary issues with strong practical relevance. Their research outcomes are expected to contribute meaningfully to academia, industry practices, and future research initiatives.
Dr. Praphulla Chandra N Awarded PhD in Forensic Accounting
Dr. Praphulla Chandra N, currently serving as Assistant Professor at Chanakya University, was awarded his PhD by Davangere University under the expert guidance of Prof. Supriya R, former Chairperson, Department of Studies in Commerce, and Late Prof. H. S. Anitha, former Registrar (Evaluation).
His doctoral research is titled:
“Forensic Accounting and its Application in Information Technology Corporates in Bangalore Urban: An Analytical Study.”
The study offers a comprehensive analysis of forensic accounting tools and techniques and examines their application within IT corporates operating in Bangalore Urban—India’s leading technology hub. With increasing incidents of corporate fraud, financial manipulation, and cyber-enabled financial crimes, Dr. Praphulla Chandra N’s research assumes critical importance.
Research Significance
The research explores:
- The role of forensic accounting in detecting and preventing financial fraud
- Challenges faced by IT corporates in implementing forensic accounting practices
- The effectiveness of forensic tools in corporate governance and compliance
- The growing relevance of forensic accounting in technology-driven business environments
By combining analytical rigor with real-world corporate insights, the study bridges the gap between academic theory and industry application. Scholars and professionals alike are expected to benefit from the findings, particularly in the domains of auditing, corporate governance, risk management, and financial compliance.
Dr. Praphulla Chandra N formally received his PhD degree during the convocation ceremony on January 30, 2026, marking a defining moment in his academic and professional journey.
Dr. Sowmya S Earns PhD for Research in Market Research and Consumer Behaviour
Mrs. Sowmya S, a dedicated research scholar, was also awarded her PhD by Davangere University under the guidance of Prof. Supriya R, former Chairperson, Department of Studies in Commerce.
Her doctoral thesis is titled:
“Perceptual Mapping in Market Research – A Study of Select Consumer Durables.”
The research focuses on perceptual mapping as a strategic marketing tool, examining how consumers perceive and differentiate among competing brands in the consumer durables segment. The study provides valuable insights into consumer behavior, brand positioning, and decision-making processes in a highly competitive marketplace.
Key Contributions of the Study
The research:
- Analyses consumer perceptions across select consumer durable products
- Examines brand positioning strategies using perceptual mapping techniques
- Provides insights for marketers to improve competitive positioning
- Enhances understanding of consumer preference patterns
With consumer markets becoming increasingly complex and data-driven, Dr. Sowmya S’s research offers practical frameworks that can be applied by marketing professionals, researchers, and academicians alike.
Her PhD degree was conferred at the 13th Convocation of Davangere University by the Hon’ble Governor of Karnataka on January 30, 2026, alongside her spouse—making the occasion especially memorable.
Shared Guidance, Shared Success
An interesting and meaningful aspect of this academic achievement is that both scholars pursued their doctoral studies under the guidance of Prof. Supriya R, former Chairperson, Department of Studies in Commerce, Davangere University. Her mentorship played a crucial role in shaping the quality, depth, and academic rigor of both research works.
The couple’s shared academic environment fostered intellectual collaboration, discipline, and motivation, demonstrating how mutual support can strengthen scholarly pursuits.
Inspiration for Aspiring Researchers
The story of this couple from Karnataka securing PhD degrees at the same convocation serves as a powerful source of inspiration for aspiring researchers, young academicians, and students across the state and beyond. Their journey reflects dedication, time management, resilience, and a shared commitment to academic excellence.
In an era where balancing professional responsibilities, personal life, and research commitments can be challenging, their achievement reinforces the idea that collaborative support and determination can lead to remarkable outcomes.
Davangere University’s Commitment to Research Excellence
Davangere University continues to play a significant role in promoting advanced research and academic innovation. The successful completion of doctoral research by scholars like Dr. Praphulla Chandra N and Dr. Sowmya S underscores the university’s commitment to fostering high-quality research, interdisciplinary studies, and industry-relevant scholarship.
The 13th Convocation Ceremony celebrated the achievements of scholars from diverse disciplines, reaffirming the university’s standing as a growing hub of academic excellence in Karnataka.
A Milestone Worth Celebrating
As the degrees were conferred by the Hon’ble Governor of Karnataka, the moment became even more significant—not just for the scholars and their families, but also for the academic community at large. The achievement stands as a testament to perseverance, intellectual curiosity, and the strength of shared dreams.
The remarkable story of a couple from Karnataka securing PhD degrees on the same convocation will remain a proud chapter in Davangere University’s history and an enduring inspiration for future generations of scholars.