Age should never deter anyone from pursuing their dreams, as many individuals have proven by achieving remarkable milestones later in life. The passion, determination, and mindset are key elements enabling anyone to chase their aspirations regardless of age.
A shining example of this is Shraddha Dass from Nasoso, Nadi, who recently graduated with a Master’s degree in Arts at the age of 74. Not only did she complete her studies, but she also received a gold medal for her academic excellence along with the Ami Chandra Vidyalankar Memorial Award from the University of Fiji. Her accomplishments serve as a powerful inspiration to all.
Originally from Indore, India, Mrs. Dass moved to Fiji in 1972 after marrying esteemed Fijian musician Sattvik Dass. Over the last five decades, she has made Fiji her home, contributing to the community as a retired teacher of Hindi and music. Her commitment to classical Indian music remains apparent, as she continues to promote it actively.
Throughout her educational journey, Mrs. Dass had a strong passion for the Hindi language. After retiring in 2009, she decided to fulfill her ambition of completing her studies in Hindi. Her children played a crucial role in this decision, providing unwavering support, with her son Saral Dass helping enroll her in university.
While she faced setbacks, including a health issue that interrupted her studies, Mrs. Dass returned to her studies in 2020 during the pandemic and successfully completed all required units in just four years.
In her own words, Mrs. Dass emphasizes the importance of preserving one’s culture and language, stating that losing these elements equates to losing one’s identity. She urges parents to encourage their children to appreciate their mother language, reinforcing the idea that it is never too late to pursue one’s dreams.
This story serves as a reminder that age is indeed just a number, and aspirations can be chased and realized at any stage in life. Such perseverance illuminates the paths for others, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and dedication to personal growth.
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