DUT radiation therapy student win prestigious travel bursary award
RECOGNITION
Luke Jaden Krishnan.
Image: Supplied
IN RECOGNITION of his leadership qualities and strong service ethics, Luke Jaden Krishnan, a final-year radiation therapy student at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), was recently awarded the Abe Bailey Travel Bursary Award.
Krishnan, 22, who resides on the Bluff, is the 14th DUT student to win the bursary, which is awarded to outstanding students under the age of 25 years.
He is a student in the university's Department of Radiography.
For the past 15 years, the trustees of the Abe Bailey Trust have made funds available for travel bursaries. The bursary gives selected university students and staff of junior lecturer status, who demonstrate academic strength and exceptional leadership qualities, an opportunity to visit the United Kingdom.
Krishnan said winning the bursary was not just a personal achievement, but a testament to the faith, effort, and support that shaped his journey.
“It is encouraging to know that academic diligence, community outreach and leadership rooted in service is recognised.”
Krishnan said throughout his studies at DUT he remained committed to both academic excellence and meaningful service-consistently achieving strong results in key modules while also serving as a class representative.
He said he had always been passionate about making a difference through healthcare, community outreach and mentorship.
“My journey has been shaped by resilience, faith, and a deep desire to contribute positively to the lives of others. This journey has affirmed that with vision, determination, and perseverance, students from all backgrounds can rise above their circumstances and achieve extraordinary things.”
Krishnan said he decided to enter the competition as he was drawn to the opportunity for intellectual exchange and cultural diplomacy.
He said he hoped that through achieving the bursary, he grew as a more globally conscious, critically-minded leader, someone who could bridge diverse worldviews and contribute meaningfully to both health care and broader social transformation in South Africa.
He will visit the UK for three weeks in December to experience British culture, to participate in an interactive programme, and to examine its significance in the context of South African history.
Krishnan said his aim was to refine his skills as a radiotherapist, while actively working to improve cancer care, awareness, and accessibility, particularly in underserved communities.
He added that he was proud to be part of an institution that consistently cultivated excellence.
“Having produced 14 Abe Bailey winners in 15 years, this speaks volumes about the calibre of DUT students and staff, and I am honoured to carry that legacy forward.”