Published on 29 November 2019
Proud parents Ajay Kumar Kalla and Seema Kalla have never left their home country before but were determined they would not miss seeing their son collect his honours after successfully completing his Masters in Project Management.
Mr Kalla said: "I feel extremely proud and happy about all that my son has achieved. I'm also particularly pleased to see the contribution he has been making to the student body. It has been a wonderful day."
Mrs Kalla added: “This is my first ever trip abroad and I never imagined this would ever happen. I'm so happy to be visiting Sunderland and so proud of my son. I feel honoured to be here on this very special day in all our lives."
The family reunion was only missing Himanshu’s sister, Rashmi Kalla, who was unable to make the ceremony.
Himanshu has achieved a lot during his time in the city and is currently the University’s Students’ Union President of Education.
He said: “This is the first time my parents have flown out of the country due to family commitments. I know they feel proud of my achievement and extremely happy with the success I have had here in Sunderland.
“I owe my success to them and, most importantly, my sister Dr Rashmi Kalla who always guided, inspired, and motivated me and is my rock solid pillar of strength.
“I really miss her today on my graduation but I will be thinking about her. She is my role model, friend, philosopher and guide.
“The experience I’ve had here in Sunderland has been wonderful, exceptional, challenging, career building, and massively life changing.
“My time he has been a true learning curve, both rewarding and fulfilling.”