Nirav Kumar is Mahatma Ghandhi Memorial Primary School’s dux this year.
Kumar, 13, scored the second highest mark in the Fiji Eighth Year Examination in Fiji and the highest mark in the Central Division.
Kumar attributed his success to perseverance and the support of his friends, family and teachers.
“Achieving the second highest mark in the Fiji Eighth Year Examination is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the sacrifice, love and support I received from many people in my life,” he said.
Kumar, when awarded the dux prize wanted to inspire other students to work towards achieving academic success.
“I’m here to share my journey and provide the advice that guided me to becoming dux for 2024.
“I am here to also inspire students to pursue success, not only in academics, but in every aspect of their lives.”
Kumar commended the other awardees for conquering obstacles and for being inspirations to students everywhere.
“You (awardees) must all be proud of what you have achieved through diligence and sustained efforts.
“You have overcome hurdles, proving your work and being a role model for students to look up to.
“I would like to mention that I always worked hard and was determined to better myself.”
Remarkably, Kumar’s ambition to attain the greatest school honours started when one of his teachers set a goal for him.
“I still remember when I was in Year 4, my master took me to the office where the trophies were being kept.
“He showed me the biggest trophy, which was the dux trophy. He gave me a goal to win that trophy.
“This fed my hunger to learn and made me more determined to achieve my goal.”
This was difficult, though, since Kumar remembered feeling unworthy and that his academic performance wasn’t strong enough.
“This year was the most challenging of all. My marks started to drop. Eventually, I lost the significance of my contribution and eventually deemed myself as unworthy.
“Towards the end of school, I started to feel downhearted as I felt that achieving my goal of getting the highest in Fiji and receiving the dux would be out of reach.”
Kumar thanked his loving parents and teachers for their continuous support especially in uplifting his spirit.
“They helped me realise that this constant failure shouldn’t define me but teach me to become better.
“They told me that I still had one more shot at achieving my goal. My defeat helped me to work harder, and I realised that I just needed to do my best.
“I told myself I will be happy with whatever marks I get as long as I never give up. No matter how many times you fail, you can always shine.
“To my dearest parents, whatever I say won’t be close to what you have done for me. You’ve always been there for me through thick and thin, showering me with your love.
“All your sacrifices have finally paid off and now you enjoy the reward of your time, energy, blood and sweat.”
Parents Shivangali Kumar and Roneel Kumar were extremely proud of their son.
“This was a very proud moment for our family,” Mr Kumar said.
“Our son’s hard work has finally paid off and we could not be happier and prouder of you, my son.
“We would like to thank all our family and friends for your unwavering love and support towards Nirav.”
Kumar’s story is a living testament of not giving up and pushing forward to finally achieving one’s dream.
