Age should never be seen as a limitation when it comes to following one’s aspirations. Many individuals have proven that extraordinary achievements can happen later in life, whether it’s launching a new career, acquiring a new skill, or engaging in a creative endeavor.
The story of Shraddha Dass from Nasoso, Nadi, exemplifies this belief. At 74 years old, Mrs. Dass recently accomplished her dream of earning a Master’s degree in Arts, for which she received a gold medal as an outstanding student and the Ami Chandra Vidyalankar Memorial Award from the University of Fiji. Her journey inspires others to know that it’s never too late to pursue their aspirations.
Born in Indore, India, Mrs. Dass moved to Fiji in 1972 after marrying renowned musician Sattvik Dass. For 50 years, she has cultivated her life in Fiji, sharing her love for classical Indian music as a retired Hindi and music teacher. She taught at several schools in Viti Levu before retiring in 2009 from Swami Vivekananda College.
A lifelong passion for the Hindi language compelled her to resume her studies after retirement. Supported by her family, particularly her son Saral, who enrolled her in the university, Mrs. Dass faced numerous challenges along the way, including a health setback that interrupted her education.
Overcoming these hurdles, she returned to academia during the pandemic in 2020, completed all of her units in four years, and emphasized the importance of preserving one’s language and culture. She proudly advocates for parents to inspire their children to embrace their mother language, stating, “We are identified through our culture and language. If our culture and language die, our identity will be gone.”
Mrs. Dass’s life story serves as a powerful reminder that dreams can be pursued at any age, and with determination and support, remarkable accomplishments are achievable.
This uplifting narrative highlights the never-ending potential found in lifelong learning and the importance of cultural heritage, encouraging a sense of pride in one’s roots and aspirations. It shows that with focus and dedication, the journey of education and self-discovery transcends age, truly affirming that “age is just a number.”
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