Age should never deter anyone from pursuing their passions and dreams. Numerous individuals have proven that it is possible to achieve remarkable milestones at any stage of life. What truly matters is the passion, dedication, and willingness to learn.
One inspiring story is that of Shraddha Dass from Nasoso, Nadi, who recently celebrated a significant academic achievement. At the age of 74, she graduated with a master’s degree in arts. Her commitment to her studies was recognized with a gold medal for outstanding performance, along with the Ami Chandra Vidyalankar Memorial Award from the University of Fiji.
Shraddha’s journey began in Indore, India, where she was born and raised. After marrying prominent Fijian musician Sattvik Dass in 1972, she moved to Fiji, where she has resided and contributed to the community for the past 50 years. As a retired Hindi and music teacher, she continues to promote classical Indian music.
Her love for the Hindi language is evident. After retiring from teaching at Swami Vivekananda College in 2009, she decided to complete her education in Hindi, a passion she had cherished since high school. Her son, Saral Dass, played a crucial role in encouraging her endeavors by enrolling her at the university.
Despite facing significant challenges, including a health setback shortly after starting her studies, Shraddha persevered. After taking a break, she returned to her studies during the 2020 pandemic, and over four years, successfully completed her coursework.
Mrs. Dass emphasizes the importance of preserving one’s mother language and culture, stating, “We are identified through our culture and language. If our culture and language die, our identity will be gone.” She urges parents to instill pride in their children for their linguistic heritage, reinforcing that it is never too late to pursue dreams.
Shraddha Dass’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that with determination and support, age is truly just a number when it comes to following one’s aspirations. Her story encourages us all to embrace lifelong learning and cultural heritage.
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