Naren Prasad, who once dreamt of leaving his rural life in Vunicagi, Dreketi, has achieved remarkable success as the head of education and training in the International Labour Organisation’s research department based in Geneva, Switzerland. Growing up as the son of uneducated farmers, Mr. Prasad’s parents motivated him to pursue education, encouraging him to walk 12 kilometers barefoot to attend Dreketi Indian School.
Reflecting on his difficult upbringing, Mr. Prasad acknowledges that those early challenges shaped his resilience. His father’s efforts to provide for the family through rice and sugarcane farming ensured there was always food on the table, while his mother took care of him and his siblings. Education became a priority for Mr. Prasad, who relied on high marks to earn scholarships that would cover his school fees.
After receiving a bicycle from his father when he entered Dreketi High School, Mr. Prasad’s life began to change. He studied accounting and subsequently earned a scholarship for foundation studies in social science. In 1988, Mr. Prasad received another scholarship for a Bachelor of Arts in economics and accounting that would alter the course of his life.
A chance visit to the French Embassy opened new opportunities for him. Accompanying a friend who was applying for a scholarship, he filled out an application without expecting much. To his surprise, he received a letter indicating he had been selected for a scholarship to study in France, despite not speaking French at the time. He spent six months learning the language in a remote town before completing his studies in applied mathematics in Bordeaux and later pursuing postgraduate studies in applied social science and a PhD in economics.
By the age of 26, Mr. Prasad interned at UNESCO, marking the start of his career within the United Nations framework. He subsequently held various positions, including as a research coordinator at the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development, eventually leading him to the ILO. His career has allowed him to travel to over 60 countries.
Mr. Prasad attributes his achievements to hard work, perseverance, and a strong commitment to his values. He remains connected to his roots, visiting Dreketi every year and cherishing time spent with family, enjoying local traditions and cuisine. He emphasizes the transformative power of education and the sacrifices made by parents for the betterment of their children, encouraging others to believe in themselves and work hard to seize opportunities while rejecting the notion of shortcuts. He believes that failures should motivate individuals to persevere rather than serve as a deterrent.