From being an average student in primary school, Shalendra Kumar has worked over many painful and tough paths in life.
The life of the 42-year-old began in the outskirts of Lami Town in a small village near Montfort Boys Town known as Togalevu Indian Settlement before moving to Nadawa, Nasinu in 2000.
“I grew up with a sister and parents at a time we faced serious financial crisis. A family of four, my father was a casual worker, life was full of struggles because at times we would go to bed by eating just half a roti,” he said.
“The struggle was even worse during the rainy season as the roof of the house leaked, mostly everywhere, however, seeing the pain and hardship that my parents went through never stopped me from achieving my goals.”
He said he managed to supplement his family’s income and collect their daily bus fare by selling roti parcels, gulgula, and guavas.
“I was not a bright student and struggled to catch up with school work until I reached class seven where a class teacher that became my role model, motivated me and brought changes into my life.”
The former student of Naboro Primary school said teacher Suresh Chand became his pillar of strength.
“He guided me well and since then I’ve never had any regrets in my academic career.”
Also a former student of Jai Narayan College, he said he used to wash dishes at a restaurant to collect money for his bus fare, school stationery and uniform.
“Having achieved Grade A in year 10, I was chosen as school prefect from Year 11 to Year 13 and so the Lala’s Store in Suva sponsored my studies from Year 12 to Year 13.
“That sponsorship paid off when I passed my Year 13 exams with flying colours.”
After completing his secondary education, Kumar joined the Lautoka Teacher’s College in 1997 and graduated in 1999 with first posting to Nawaicoba Public School and later transferred to Tamavua Primary, Narere Primary and Rishikul Nadera.
“Life was still incomplete after completing my bachelor’s degree.”
He acquired the Korean government scholarship in 2013 for his Master’s degree studies.
“Being away from my family did not deter me from proceeding for further studies as I always had a hunger for knowledge.
“Today, my academic records speak volumes about me which includes certificate in teaching, certificate in sports science, Certificate in counselling, Certificate in research ethics, Diploma in Education, Diploma in tertiary teaching, Diploma in management, Bachelors in Education (TVET), Masters in Business Administration, Masters in Arts and Phd.
“After graduating with a Masters in Arts in 2016 from Korea, I joined the Ministry of Education as education officer Suva, followed by acting manager human resource before resigning and joining Fiji National University (FNU) as a lecturer.”
Kumar said he managed to acquire a Korean government scholarship in 2019 again and is currently at the verge of graduating with a PhD in December.
The father of one said staying away from his family was not easy and attributed his achievements to their sacrifices.
“The saddest part is I couldn’t travel back to Fiji this year to bid farewell to my father died in May.
“Second, due to the severity of Coronavirus, many students left studies and went back. With determination I kept the fight on as I promised my wife, son and father that no matter what happens, I will not return empty handed so I had that determination.
“Having faced and seen how families struggle in fulfilling the academic needs of the deprived student, we, a group of friends, revived the Nasinu Junior Chamber.
“We don’t want to see any child be deprived of basic necessities or any family having to go to bed empty stomach.
“To the youths, it is important for them to work hard and to never lose hope and spirit to learn and every day is a learning
opportunity for us.”
