Naren Prasad, who grew up in the rice fields of Vunicagi, Dreketi, has transformed his life from a rural upbringing to a prominent role in the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) research department in Geneva, Switzerland. His parents, who were uneducated farmers, instilled the value of education in him, encouraging him to walk 12 kilometers barefoot to attend the Dreketi Indian School.
Reflecting on his childhood, Mr. Prasad feels that the challenges he faced have equipped him for his current success. His father worked tirelessly, spending half the year farming rice and the other half harvesting sugar cane to provide for their family, while his mother took care of the household and their four children.
In school, Mr. Prasad excelled academically, which allowed him to secure scholarships that financed his education. A turning point came when he received a bicycle from his father, making his daily commute much easier. He later attended Dreketi High School, where he continued to excel in subjects like accounting, and eventually secured a scholarship for foundation studies in social science.
In 1988, while pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in economics and accounting, Mr. Prasad found himself in an unexpected opportunity. Accompanied by a friend who was seeking a scholarship from the French Embassy, he filled out an application on a whim. To his surprise, he was selected for a scholarship to study mathematics in France, where he first learned the language before diving into his studies.
Mr. Prasad completed his undergraduate degree in applied mathematics in Bordeaux and went on to earn a postgraduate degree in applied social science and a PhD in economics. At 26, he interned at UNESCO, marking the beginning of his career in the United Nations, where he has since worked in various capacities across multiple agencies, including the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development and the ILO, traveling to over 60 countries throughout his career.
Mr. Prasad credits hard work, perseverance, and a strong commitment to his values as the keys to his success. He maintains a strong connection to his roots, regularly visiting his hometown and cherishing time spent with family and friends. He emphasizes the importance of education, noting that many have sacrificed for their children’s success, and believes that the world is full of opportunities for those willing to put in the effort.
He encourages others to have faith in themselves, avoid shortcuts, and view failure as a stepping stone rather than a setback.