Sonia Krishnan

Sonia Krishnan, a third-year law student at Fiji National University’s (FNU) College of Business, Hospitality, and Tourism Studies (CBHTS), is excited to visit the Taj Mahal when she travels to India to represent Fiji at the 75th anniversary of India’s independence.

She was selected from a pool of applicants who expressed interest in participating in the Ministry of Youth and Sports Youth Exchange Program (YEP).

Krishnan of Naikabula, Lautoka, said the opportunity would allow her to reconnect with her ancestral roots, from which her forefathers came under the Indenture Labour System.

“I will do my best to be a good Fijian ambassador to India, connecting the people of the two countries through official engagements and sharing stories from the visit. It will be a thrilling journey during which I will learn more about India and its diverse culture,” she said.

“I’ve always seen India through the lens of film, but on this trip, I’ll get to see the beautiful historical sites in Agra, Gujarat, New Delhi, and other parts of India.”

Krishnan is also the president of the Nakasi Youth Club, where she volunteers to help people in the community, and it was through her involvement in this organisation that motivated her to apply for the YEP.

“I am honoured to be returning to the homeland of my forefathers. My family had always told me stories about how our ancestors came from India.”

“Every Fijian of Indian descent’s dream has always been to visit India at least once in their lives, and I had no idea it would come so soon for me to visit different parts of India.”

Krishnan leaves for India on August 6th and returns on the 20th.