JAI Prasad or “Uncle” as he is fondly known in The Fiji Times West Bureau, has clicked his final photo with this newspaper.
Yesterday, staff at the country’s oldest news media organisation bade the veteran photographer an emotional farewell at the company’s Suva headquarters.
For the crew from the West, it seems almost unbelievable that someone who has played such a pivotal role in their lives and careers was finally calling it quits.
Reporter Shayal Devi vividly remembers her first assignment with Uncle in 2013.
“I remember we had car troubles and that was when Jai took the time to ask about my goals and aspirations in life,” the 21-year-old shared.
“He advised me to aspire for a better and happier life and to grab opportunities as they came, a lesson that has stuck to this day.
“Though we have had many assignments together, Jai’s enthusiasm for the job and his determination to get the best picture has never failed to inspire.
“The one thing I will miss the most about Jai is his warm personality, numerous words of advice and thrilling tales about his time as a photographer.”
Perhaps his favourite reporter, Repeka Nasiko, best put into words what his colleagues felt.
“What I’ll miss most about Uncle is his work ethic,” she said.
“He was always ready to go out on assignments and was always trying to be the first to get to the assignment. I’m going to miss working with him because my most memorable assignments were with him and he truly inspired me to always do my best.”
For Uncle, leaving The Fiji Times came after much thought and deliberation.
“The company has done so much for me and my family.
“I have also sacrificed a lot for the newspaper and for our readers and now it’s time for me to spend some time with my family,” the 62-year-old said.
