(From left) Father Shalendra Prasad with his son Krathdarshi Vedant Prasad and grandfather Daya Prasad at the Fiji National University’s (FNU) College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS) Orientation held at the Pasifika Campus in Suva today. Photo Courtesy: Fiji National University

Krathdarshi Vedant Prasad’s journey from a sugarcane farm in Labasa to the Fiji National University (FNU) is a testament to perseverance and the power of dreams.

Prasad, a first-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Pharmacy at FNU’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS), embodies the hopes of his family and community.

For Prasad, originally from Nabekavu in Labasa, the CMNHS orientation held at the Pasifika Campus in Suva was a profoundly meaningful occasion.

His father, Shalendra Prasad, and grandfather, Daya Prasad, both sugarcane farmers, travelled from Labasa to share in this pivotal moment.

“I’m overjoyed to have my dad and grandfather (ajja) alongside me as I begin this new chapter,” said Prasad, his voice filled with emotion.

“When I received my acceptance into CMNHS, I raced to the sugarcane plantation to tell my dad the news.”

The 19-year-old, a former student of Labasa College, always aspired to join the medical field, a dream shared by his parents.

He draws inspiration from his father’s resilience in the face of hardship.

“I’ve seen the challenges my father has faced as a sugarcane farmer,” he said.

“His strength has motivated me to excel in my studies and achieve this opportunity in medical school.”

“My aim is to give back to my people one day and assist them with medical supplies.”

Father, Shalendra Prasad, overcome with emotion, expressed his pride in his son’s achievements.

“To see my son thriving and becoming the first in our family to pursue a career in pharmacy is a dream come true,” father, Shalendra Prasad shared as tears rolled down his cheeks.

“It’s the dream of every parent to see their children receive a high-quality education and have opportunities for a brighter future.”

The sacrifices made by the Prasad family resonate deeply within Fiji’s farming communities.

“As sugarcane farmers we face a lot of struggle and our goal in life is to give a better life to our children and family,” he added.

“Today I feel that I have started to slowly achieve my goal as I see my son take the first step towards his career.”

ENDS