Age should never deter individuals from following their passions and dreams, as demonstrated by Shraddha Dass, a remarkable 74-year-old who recently graduated with a Master’s in Arts from the University of Fiji. Her commitment to education earned her a gold medal for her exemplary performance and the Ami Chandra Vidyalankar Memorial Award.
Born in Indore, India, and now a resident of Fiji for the past five decades, Mrs. Dass has had a rich educational career as a Hindi and music teacher. After her marriage to Fijian musician Sattvik Dass in 1972, she continued to contribute to the cultural fabric of Fiji by promoting classical Indian music while teaching in several schools, finally retiring from Swami Vivekananda College in 2009.
After retirement, Mrs. Dass felt a deep desire to further her education in Hindi, supported by her children, especially her son Saral, who encouraged her enrollment at the university. Although she faced health challenges that interrupted her studies, she persevered and resumed her education in 2020 during the pandemic, eventually completing her degree in four years.
Mrs. Dass emphasizes the importance of maintaining one’s cultural and linguistic heritage, asserting that a connection to one’s mother language is vital for identity. She passionately advocates for parents to encourage their children to embrace and learn their native languages.
Her story is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to pursue new goals and that passion paired with determination can lead to remarkable achievements, regardless of age. The pursuit of knowledge and cultural pride can inspire others to break barriers and follow their dreams, continuously affirming that age is merely a number.
In summary, Shraddha Dass’s journey is a beacon of hope, encouraging others to embark on their own educational aspirations at any stage in life.
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