Naren Prasad grew up in the rice fields of Vunicagi, Dreketi, dreaming of escaping his rural roots and exploring the world. His parents, uneducated farmers, encouraged him to pursue education, even if it meant he had to walk 12 kilometers barefoot along muddy gravel roads to reach Dreketi Indian School.
Despite the challenges, Mr. Prasad embraced his early hardships, which he believes prepared him for success. He has risen to become the head of education and training in the research department of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Geneva, Switzerland. This is a significant contrast to his family’s struggles; his father worked tirelessly in rice farming and sugarcane harvesting to provide for the family.
Reflecting on his school days, Mr. Prasad recalled relying on high scores to earn scholarships, noting that $50 was a valuable amount back then. After joining Dreketi High School, his father purchased a bicycle for him, easing his journey. Mr. Prasad excelled in accounting and secured a scholarship for foundation studies in social science.
In 1988, he received another scholarship for a Bachelor of Arts in economics and accounting, which led to a life-changing opportunity. Accompanying a friend to the French Embassy for scholarships, Mr. Prasad hesitated but ultimately filled out an application, listing mathematics, a subject he had struggled with, but in which he nonetheless achieved good grades.
Two weeks later, he was notified of his selection for a scholarship to study in France, despite not speaking French. He spent six months learning the language in a remote town before pursuing his degree in applied mathematics in Bordeaux. Mr. Prasad describes this period as one of the most rewarding times of his life.
He later completed a postgraduate degree in applied social science and a PhD in economics. At 26, he sought an internship with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), marking the beginning of his career in the UN, where he worked with various agencies, including the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development.
His professional journey has taken him to over 60 countries. Mr. Prasad attributes his success to hard work, perseverance, and remaining true to his roots. He emphasizes the importance of remembering where one comes from, regularly visiting Dreketi to spend time with family.
His parents took immense pride in his accomplishments, as did his community, which would share his story whenever anyone from Suva visited. When home, he enjoys reconnecting with loved ones, drinking kava, savoring homemade meals, and fishing.
Mr. Prasad highlights education’s transformative power, recognizing the sacrifices made by many for future generations. He encourages others to believe in themselves, work hard, and avoid shortcuts, suggesting that failures should motivate rather than deter persistence.