She is the famous face on our television screen. Rachna Nath is the host of Talk Business on Fiji Television network and is known for her well presented news segments including the indepth Close-Up program. We take time out to have a short chat with the 30-year-old.
Lives in: Capital City
Describe yourself? Addicted to travel and adventure, outdoorsy, love challenges, cooking, thought-provoking conversations and of course a good book.
Q What inspires you to be the person that you are?
A My parents are my biggest inspiration in life. They continue to support and remain my source of strength in all the paths I’ve chosen in life.
Q What would you describe as your passion in life and how are you going about realising it?
A Music has always been my passion. Not many people know, but I have deep roots in music and come from a family of musicians. I play an instrument or two. Music soothes my soul quite like nothing else.
Q What would you consider to be the most memorable in your career?
A I’ve been fortunate enough to be part of the media industry, particularly Fiji TV for more than 11 years. In this time, I’ve met so many interesting people from all walks of life. The most memorable moments has to be hike up Guadalcanal’s highest peak, which included a very bumpy three-hour ride at the back of the truck with a five-hour hike up the mountain. Then of course navigating through crocodile-infested waters of the Sirinumu Dam of Port Moresby. Sometimes I wonder whether it was a journalist’s courage and curiosity or plain studipity. I love my job and the risks nonetheless.
? I am obsessed … with Paulo Coelho and all his books. Some of which like my favourite The Alchemist and Eleven Minutes have been life changing. Only really good authors can bring to life their experiences and make you feel, think and question the very norms in which we think we must live our lives, and all things that make us human. A good book can have that sort of influence and impact.
? I can’t live without … my “support network” which include my family and close circle of friends.
? I am proud … of being a Fijian and of our Fiji 7s team and our first Olympic gold medal.
? Wish I could change … my height. It would have been nice to be a few more inches taller but I’m not complaining. Short girls have a lot of fun also.
? Really need to … finish the Harry Potter series! I’ve been trying for years.
? Can’t handle it … when people are unkind and lack humanity when it comes to the treatment of others and animals. Showing love and compassion to others is a small way to spread happiness. Start small, you don’t need to be a person of influence to make a difference to others. Just someone who feels and cares. We need more of that, now more than ever.
? I look back and wonder … just how blessed I am to have a wonderful family and bunch of friends who truly love and care. I’m blessed beyond words to have pursued my passion in journalism and have been fortunate enough to have met so many wonderful people along the way, many who have inspired me. Like a rural farmer who once told me, “There’s nothing like working with soil. Life began with soil and will ultimately end with the soil.”
? I relax by … the beach when I can or with a good conversation with family and friends. I also relax, when I have the time by binge watching my favourite TV series House of Cards!
? I have always … wanted to travel through Africa, experience the culture and go on a jungle/wildlife safari! That would be the ultimate birthday gift ( just in case my friends are reading this).
? Biggest weakness … would be family and close friends. It’s hard to say “no” to them and they know this. Love them all anyway.
? List of favourite things would have be … travel, travel and more travel That’s all I want to do. Be it all over Fiji or around the world. I want to be able to connect to people from all over the globe, to experience what they feel and tell their stories.
? Opinion on the state of the world … another time! There’s so much to say, I’ll need more than 50 words.
? Mother always told me … to work hard, be sincere and help others on your way up.
? My attitude to exercise … can be better. I need more consistency.