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It was in the paddy fields of Vunicagi in Drekti that Naren Prasad dreamed of leaving his rural home and exploring the world.
His parents were humble, uneducated farmers who encouraged their young son to learn, even if it meant walking barefoot on a muddy, dusty gravel road for 12 kilometres to reach the Draketi Indian School.
But Mr. Prasad took all the challenges in stride. Looking back, he feels that his early struggles only prepared him for the future.
Mr. Prasad is currently Director of Education and Training in the Research Department of the International Labour Organization (ILO), headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
His life today is a far cry from his family’s hard-working past, when his father spent half the year growing rice and the other six harvesting sugarcane to ensure they had enough food to eat.
Mr Prasad’s mother took over as a caregiver for her husband, ensuring that the four children were taken care of.
The father of three also recounted his early memories of school days when he relied on scholarships from subjects he passed with high marks to pay for his tuition. In those days, $50 could go a long way.
When he entered Dreketi High School, his father bought him a bicycle, which meant he no longer had to walk! This was a welcome gift for Mr Prasad, who majored in accounting and later received a scholarship to study foundation in social sciences.
In 1988, he again received a scholarship to study for a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Accounting, but this time, his life changed forever.
“One of my friends didn’t get any scholarship,” the 54-year-old said.
Since the French government was offering scholarships at the time, both went to the French Embassy.
“He took me there and asked me ‘Why didn’t you fill out the form?’ I said ‘No, I’m fine. I have a scholarship.’ But I just filled out the form without any intention.
“I remember they asked ‘what subject do you want to study?’ and I thought about the subject I hated the most. I said maths, but I was pretty good at maths.”
“I forgot about it. Two weeks later, they sent me a letter, and when I went to the French embassy, they said I had been selected for a scholarship to go to France.”
The Fiji Times of February 8, 1989 also reported his story in detail.
“I was 18 and I didn’t speak French, but I went to France to study math. So we first studied French for six months in a very remote town.”
Like any young person, he absorbed new experiences “like a sponge,” and he later described this period as one of the most fulfilling times of his life.
Mr. Prasad completed undergraduate studies in applied mathematics in Bordeaux and later completed graduate studies in applied social sciences and a PhD in economics.
At the age of 26, he expressed interest in an internship at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
From that moment on, Mr. Prasad began his career at the United Nations and rose through the ranks, working in various institutions, including as Research Coordinator at the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development, and then at the International Labour Organization.
His work has spread to more than 60 countries.
“For me, hard work, perseverance and sticking to my values are key. I know where I come from. I will never forget. Every year I go to Dreketi. I spend time with my family. Never forget where I come from.”
Mr. Prasad said that whenever opportunities knocked, he always made the right decision.
“My parents are very proud. Not only my parents but also my village. Whenever someone comes from Suva or goes somewhere else, they always tell people that they have a son in France.”
Now, whenever he is home, he enjoys spending time with his family, drinking a few glasses of kava, eating homemade roti and curry, and going fishing.
He attributes his success to education and a strong family. An educator himself, Mr Prasad said education has the power to transform and many parents and ancestors have sacrificed a lot to ensure their children succeed in life.
“The world is big. The opportunities are endless. Everything is out there. It just takes hard work.
“You have to believe in yourself. I believe you will succeed, but again, don’t take shortcuts. Shortcuts are for lazy people.”
He also said failure should not be seen as a deterrent but rather as an incentive to try again.
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