JOHOR BAHRU, 18 Nov. – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is alive with celebration as graduates gather to mark the pinnacle of their academic journeys. One story stands out among the crowd of proud faces—a tale of resilience, teamwork, and shared dreams. Ms. Durga Devi Silvaretinam and her husband, Mr. Logesuwaran Rammudo, are not only graduating together but also celebrating a remarkable journey that intertwines their academic and personal lives.
Ms Durga Devi graduated with a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) specialising in sustainability, while Mr Logesuwaran received his Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialisation in Strategic Management. Their academic achievements, marked by this significant ceremony, not only signify their personal success but also inspire a sense of pride in the audience.
Their story began at UTM, where they met as students. Balancing their academic pursuits, careers, and relationships proved to be difficult, especially after they decided to marry while still studying.
“Balancing work, our studies, and our relationship was definitely a challenge, but it brought us closer together and taught us a lot about teamwork,” said Ms Durga Devi.
Her research on sustainability during her MPhil programme allowed her to contribute meaningful work to an evolving field. At the same time, Mr. Logesuwaran’s focus on business strategy equipped him with skills that saw him rise from an engineer to Assistant Operations Manager. Their achievements underscore how education can unlock doors to personal and professional success.
Mr Logesuwaran’s journey took a remarkable turn when he received the Forty Under 40 award in Rotterdam, Netherlands. This award recognises young professionals who have made significant contributions in their fields. “His dedication and outstanding work in engineering have been incredibly inspiring,” said Ms Durga Devi. For Ms Durga Devi, landing a lecturer position at Sunway TES College is a testament to her unwavering dedication. Together, their stories show how perseverance and education can transform lives, serving as a source of motivation for all.
Beyond their academic pursuits, the couple shares a unique passion for motorbike adventures. Known as “The EternalVoyagers” on social media, they embody their love for the open road. Their next big adventure involves a 2,700-kilometre journey around Peninsular Malaysia, traversing jungles, mountains, and off-road trails.
“This journey is not just about the miles we cover but about creating lasting memories and strengthening our bond,” Ms Durga Devi explained.
Reflecting on their journey, it is clear that the couple’s success stems from the unwavering support they provide to each other. Their graduation signifies not just the end of their chapter but the start of an exciting new adventure together. Their story demonstrates how perseverance and mutual encouragement can pave the way for remarkable achievements.
As they celebrate their achievements, Ms Durga Devi and Mr Logesuwaran embody the power of education, love, and resilience. Their story inspires students, couples, and adventurers everywhere, showing that with dedication and teamwork, anything is possible.