Attaining the highest academic degree of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in India, did not stop Dr Sakul Kundra from achieving more in Fiji.
He recently graduated with a Bachelor of Law from the University of the South Pacific, an achievement he completed within a span of six years while juggling the heavy strain of studies, family commitment and work.
Dr Kundra moved to Fiji 2015.
“The world is interdisciplinary; one has to expand his or her knowledge irrespective of achieving a PhD,” Dr Kundra said.
“I wanted to expand my knowledge from the University within Fiji.
“So, it took multi-tasking in research and putting extra energy into diversifying the subjects – history and law.”
The Lautoka-based educator graduated with a grade of 3.80 out of 4.50 and dedicated his accomplishment to his late father, who passed away last year.
“It has been a long journey of struggle, pain and suffering. I have achieved it with the blessing of God, also the support from the university as well as my employer who has been supportive during this journey.
“I thank my family members, who have been with me through thick and thin.
“And I would like to dedicated this achievement to my late father, who has been my pillar of strength in this long journey.”
Dr Kundra says his Bachelor of Law degree has enlightened him about law in society and becoming more self-confident.
He looks forward to completing his PDLP so that he could contribute to justice in Fiji.
“The tutors are really qualified. Among other concepts, they taught us different aspects of law, and different hypothetical problems.
“Even the lawyers who are hired by the university are of very hire stature. I was taught by Barbara Malimali and John Rabuku.”
Because of his busy work schedule Dr Kundra had to make time to attend his law courses via online mode.
“I was a working student and managing employment and family, and doing some research and it was a challenge to maintain a balance between all.
“This is my second bachelor’s degree despite having a PhD.”
Dr Kundra aspires to open his own law firm in the future and contribute his expertise to the laws of Fiji.
“Doing law is not just getting the degree. You must study continuously- study the bills and regulations in place.
“And the ethics of being a lawyer is very important, and we have been taught these ethics also during our curriculum.
“Be aware of the law within the society, develop self-confidence, work towards what you are trying to achieve or looking forward to become irrespective of any field or any level you are in.”
Dr Kundra is an adjunct professor from a university in India. He is also an associate professor at the College of Humanities, Education and Law at Fiji National University.
Dr Sakul Kundra
