Vashanth Selvadurai Receives Danish National Award in Education

I am beyond thrilled and humbled to share that I was selected as the Lecturer of the Year and honored with the Danish National Award in Education along with a half a million Danish kroner from the Uddannelses- og Forskningsministeriet . To make this moment even more extraordinary, the award was presented by Mary Elizabeth, Her Majesty the Queen of Denmark and the Minister of Higher Education and Science, Christina Egelund during a grand ceremony at The Royal Danish Opera House moderated by journalist Anja Bo .

You can read the full details of my nomination and selection, get more information about my work, and watch a video of me in action on the Ministry of Higher Education and Science's website. You can also read this full article in Danish on Dania Academy's Website.

While earning degrees and professional accolades requires hard work and dedication, there is something deeply moving about being nominated by students and colleagues. This recognition isn’t just an acknowledgment of academic or professional achievements—it’s a validation of the lasting impact my teaching and mentorship have had on the lives of my students. Beyond the curriculum, lectures, and exams, this recognition affirms that I have helped create an environment where learning truly resonates, and students feel inspired and supported.

This award is not only about professional excellence but about the meaningful connections educators make with the next generation. Knowing that my efforts have positively influenced my students drives me to continue innovating and striving to be the best educator I can be.

As a Tamil from Sri Lanka, this moment carries profound emotional and historical significance. My people were systematically denied access to higher education, an injustice that was a key factor in the outbreak of the brutal civil war that forced my parents to flee the country. To stand here today, as a descendant of this oppressed group, receiving a national award in education in Denmark, is not just a personal triumph—it is a victory for the entire Tamil people.

This recognition symbolizes how Denmark’s inclusivity and openness have created opportunities for those of us who have historically been marginalized. Denmark embraces diversity and offers chances to anyone with the necessary skills and dedication to succeed, regardless of nationality or belief. I am deeply grateful to be part of a society that values hard work and talent above all else.

My journey often reminds me of H.C. Andersen’s "The Ugly Duckling", a story of transformation and perseverance. Like the young duckling constantly told he didn’t belong, I was once assessed by my elementary school teachers as unfit for high school or any academic path. Their judgment felt like a defining moment for my future, and at that time, I was like the misunderstood duckling, struggling to find my place. But rather than accept that label, I worked tirelessly and eventually earned my place in high school.

However, high school wasn’t easy—I struggled and barely passed. It wasn’t until I entered university that things changed. At the university, I met extraordinary lecturers and mentors who believed in me, grabbed hold of my potential, and guided me. Their belief sparked a fire of determination that led me to aim not just for passing grades but for excellence. With their support, I didn’t just achieve good marks—I graduated with the highest possible grade average of 12 (equivalent to an A). This transformation didn’t stop with academic success; it continued, culminating in a PhD degree and, today, the ultimate recognition: the Danish National Award in Education.

The greatest lesson from my journey is this: we are not defined by the labels others place on us, but by how we choose to respond to them. Like the ugly duckling, you may feel out of place, but with hard work, belief, and perseverance, you can transform into something greater than anyone ever expected. It’s not about where you start, but how you grow along the way. I hope this achievement inspires others to believe in their dreams, work hard, and never give up. No dream is too far-fetched if you are willing to put in the effort.

A special thanks to my father K.S.Thurai, lecturers, and supervisors Claus A. Gram Foss Rosenstand , Kasper Loevborg Jensen , Jens F. Jensen , Tommy Krabbe for being an invaluable source of inspiration. Your guidance and wisdom laid the foundation for my growth as a lecturer and mentor. You have shaped the path I walk today.

I also want to take a moment to sincerely thank my colleagues for their unwavering support. Their encouragement and collaboration created the space I needed to design, implement, and experiment with new ideas. Our shared commitment to innovation and growth has allowed us to achieve remarkable things together.

A heartfelt thanks to Mette Gebert Sutherland and Erhvervsakademi Dania for believing in my vision, even when my ideas seemed a little "crazy". Their trust has been a powerful catalyst, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity it has given me to push boundaries and explore new possibilities.

Principal Anders Graae Rasmussen , Vice-Principal Susanne Dixen , Acting Director of Counselling, Career & International Relations Lise B?gild-Jakobsen , and Director of Communications and Marketing Niels S?nderg?rd have been essential pillars of support and guidance throughout this process.

A profound thanks to my family and friends, especially my life partner, for their unwavering support and belief in me. Their encouragement has been my greatest source of strength, and I truly couldn’t have achieved this without them. This victory is as much theirs as it is mine.

Finally, I want to express my heartfelt congratulations to all the other winners Iben Holm Fogstrup, Camilla Hedegaard M?ller , Jaume Castan Pinos, Juljana Gjata Hjorth Jacobsen, Marie Kristine Kjelgaard , Sofie Pedersen, and all the nominees. Their dedication and hard work are truly inspiring, and it’s an honor to be recognized among such talented educators.

Thank you all for believing in me and for making this incredible journey possible.

For more information about the national award winners and details, please visit the official website of the Ministry of Higher Education and Science.

Photo Credits: S?ren Kjeldgaard

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