It was the rice fields of Vunicagi, Dreketi, that Naren Prasad dreamt about breaking away from his rural homestead and exploring the world.
His parents, humble farmers who were uneducated, encouraged their youngest son to study, even if it meant the young lad walked 12 kilometres, barefoot, on muddy and dusty gravel roads to reach Dreketi Indian School.
But Mr Prasad took all those challenges in stride, and looking back, feels those early days of struggle have only prepared him for the future.
Mr Prasad is now the head of education and training in the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) research department, based in Geneva, Switzerland.
His life today is a far cry from the days of hardship his family faced. His father spent six months farming rice, and the other six harvesting cane; all to ensure there was food on the table.
Mr Prasad’s mother was the caretaker in her husband’s stead, ensuring the four children were looked after.
The father-of-three also recounted his earliest memories in school, where he relied on passing subjects with high marks to be given scholarships for his fees. And in those days, $50 went a long way.
When he joined Dreketi High School, his father bought a bicycle for him, which meant no more walking! It was a welcome treat for Mr Prasad, who studied accounting and later, went on to secure a scholarship to do foundation studies in social science.
In 1988, he got another scholarship to study for a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in economics and accounting but this time around, his life would change forever.
“One of my friends, he did not get any scholarship,” the 54-year-old said.
Both went to the French Embassy, as the then French Government was giving scholarships.
“He took me with him, and he asked me, “why don’t you fill in the form?” I said, “No, I’m good. I have a scholarship”. But I just filled in the form without any intention.
“I still remember they asked, “What subject do you want to study?” And I was thinking about subject I hated the most. I said mathematics but my grades were quite good in maths.
“I forgot about that. And two weeks later, they sent me a letter, and when I went to the French Embassy, they said I was selected for the scholarship to go to France.”
His achievement was also detailed in The Fiji Times edition on February 8, 1989.
“I was 18 years old and did not speak French, but I went to France to study mathematics. So first we learned French for six months in a very remote town.”
And like any youth, he soaked up the new experiences “like a sponge” and later described this period as one of the most fulfilling moments of his life.
Mr Prasad completed his undergraduate studies in applied mathematics in Bordeaux, and later, completed his postgraduate in applied social science and PhD in economics as well.
By the time he was 26, he put forward an expression of interest to intern at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
His foray in the United Nations began from this moment, and Mr Prasad climbed up the rungs to work in various agencies, including the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development as a research coordinator, and then, the ILO.
And his work has taken him to more than 60 countries.
“For me, it was hard work, perseverance, and staying true to your values. I know where I come from. I never forget. Every year, I go to Dreketi. I spend time with my family. Never forget where you come from.”
Mr Prasad said each time opportunity had knocked on his door, he had always made the right decision.
“My parents were extremely proud. Not only my parents, but my village. Whenever somebody came from Suva or they went elsewhere, they would always tell people that they have a son in France.”
And now, whenever he is home, he prefers to spend time with close ones, indulge in a few bilo of kava, enjoy homemade roti and curry, and go fishing.
He credited his success to education and a strong family unit. Mr Prasad, an educator himself, said education held a transformative power and many parents and ancestors had sacrificed a lot to ensure their children succeeded in life.
“The world is a big place. The opportunities are massive. It’s all out there. It just takes hard work.
“You must believe in yourself, and I’m sure you will succeed, but again, don’t take the shortcuts. Shortcuts are for lazy people.”
He also said failure should not be treated as a deterrent, but rather, it should spur one to try again.
