Age is merely a number and should never hinder one’s pursuit of dreams. This is exemplified by the remarkable journey of Shraddha Dass from Nasoso, Nadi, who achieved her master’s degree in arts at the age of 74. Her outstanding performance earned her a gold medal and the Ami Chandra Vidyalankar Memorial Award from the University of Fiji, inspiring many with her determination and success.
Born in Indore, India, Mrs. Dass moved to Fiji after marrying renowned musician Sattvik Dass in 1972. For the past five decades, she has embraced Fiji as her home, sharing her passion for classical Indian music and serving as a Hindi and music teacher in various schools, retiring from Swami Vivekananda College in 2009.
Reflecting on her love for the Hindi language, Mrs. Dass decided to further her education after retirement. With the unwavering support of her family, particularly her son Saral, who enrolled her at the university, she embarked on her studies in Hindi. Despite facing health challenges that delayed her progress, she resumed her studies during the pandemic and successfully completed her coursework within four years.
Mrs. Dass emphasizes the importance of preserving one’s mother language and culture, urging others to take pride in their identity. She encourages parents to foster their children’s connection to their roots and reminds everyone that age should never be a barrier to fulfilling one’s dreams.
This story serves as a beacon of hope and encourages individuals of all ages to pursue their aspirations, proving that with determination and passion, it is never too late to achieve one’s goals.
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