Naren Prasad grew up in the rice fields of Vunicagi in Dreketi, where he dreamt of moving beyond his rural background and exploring the world. Despite his parents being uneducated farmers, they encouraged him to pursue his studies, prompting him to walk 12 kilometers barefoot over muddy and dusty roads to reach Dreketi Indian School.
Mr. Prasad faced these challenges with determination and reflects on how those early struggles prepared him for the future. He now serves as the head of education and training in the research department of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Geneva, Switzerland.
His current life stands in stark contrast to his childhood, where his father worked tirelessly in the rice fields and sugar cane harvests to provide for the family. Meanwhile, his mother managed the household and cared for their four children.
Mr. Prasad also shared his memories of needing to excel in his subjects to earn scholarships. During his school years, a scholarship could make a significant difference, with $50 being a substantial sum. When he enrolled in Dreketi High School, his father gifted him a bicycle, ending the long walks to school and allowing him to focus on his studies, especially in accounting.
In 1988, he obtained a scholarship for a Bachelor of Arts in economics and accounting, which shifted the course of his life. A friend’s inquiry led him to apply for another scholarship from the French government, despite initially hesitating. Filled out without much expectation, Mr. Prasad was surprised when he received a letter confirming his selection for the scholarship to study in France.
At 18, he traveled to France without knowing the language, where he first learned French for six months before pursuing mathematics in Bordeaux. This experience was transformative, enriching him with new perspectives and fulfilling moments.
Mr. Prasad completed his undergraduate studies in applied mathematics, followed by a postgraduate degree in applied social science and a PhD in economics. By age 26, he interned at UNESCO, marking the start of his career in the United Nations. Since then, he has worked in various UN agencies and traveled to over 60 countries.
He attributes his success to hard work, perseverance, and moral integrity, never forgetting his roots. Each year, he returns to Dreketi, spending quality time with family and enjoying traditional activities like drinking kava and fishing.
Mr. Prasad believes education has the power to transform lives, emphasizing the sacrifices made by parents for their children’s success. He encourages others to work hard, believe in themselves, and learn from failures without resorting to shortcuts, which he regards as paths taken by the unmotivated.