IN 2002 he estimated the direct and indirect cost of domestic violence in the country to be at $200 million and in 2012 he estimated that it cost the government $458m. He is a politician, academic and researcher.
He is the leader of Fiji’s oldest political party, the National Federation Party.
He and another parliamentarian made a decision not receive the increase in parliamentary sitting allowance.
All he wants to do is serve the people of Fiji.
Meet Professor Biman Prasad.
Full name: Biman Chand Prasad.
Age: 54.
Lives in: Suva.
Describe yourself: A politician, academic and a researcher.
Q What inspires you to be the person you are?
A Helping people.
Q Describe your passion in life and how you go about realising it?
A There is no end to learning. I find something new to learn every day whether while taking a walk, listening to others or while observing things around me.
QMost memorable moment in your career?
ABecoming a professor.
Obsessed with: Hard work, discipline, honesty, integrity, accountability and transparency. Without these principles one cannot justify one’s actions and decisions
Can’t live without: My family, friends, my faith, my principles and a clear conscience.
Proud of: Achievements of those close to me.
Wish I could change: My political opponents’ thinking about the future of Fiji and its governance if we are to achieve lasting social, economic and political advancement and stability.
Really need to: Get back to reading a lot, something I have been missing lately.
Can’t handle: Deceitful, selfish and cunning and conniving people.
I look back: And feel satisfied with the achievements of those I have guided and helped in my family and community to succeed in their lives.
Relax by: Spending time with my family and friends.
Am excited about: Simple miracles in life.
I have always wanted to serve my people and have been doing so in my capacity as an academic and a politician.
Biggest weakness: Trying to accomplish much in a short time. I need to accept that some things cannot be changed.
List of favourite things: Nothing in particular. Having been brought up in a simple household, I do not have much that I hold as favourite, rather things that may make my life easier.
Opinion on the state of the world: There is so much people can do to preserve the world — its environment, cultures, traditions — yet we are spending more time fighting among ourselves to control it.
Mother always told me: Be truthful to yourself. Respect all regardless of creed and any other form of differences. Help those who are in need.
Attitude to exercise: It needs dedication. I spend an hour a day on exercising and meditating.
My relationship with my body: Respect your body, your body will respect you.
