Age should never serve as an obstacle when it comes to pursuing one’s aspirations. Numerous individuals have accomplished remarkable feats later in life, including new careers, skill acquisitions, and creative endeavors. Ultimately, passion, determination, and a willingness to learn are what truly count. It’s evident that no matter how old you are, it’s always the right time to chase your dreams.
A shining example of this is Shraddha Dass from Nasoso, Nadi, who recently achieved a remarkable milestone by graduating with a master’s degree in arts at the age of 74. Her outstanding academic performance earned her a gold medal and the Ami Chandra Vidyalankar Memorial Award from the University of Fiji.
Born and raised in Indore, India, Mrs. Dass moved to Fiji in 1972 after marrying famed musician Sattvik Dass. Over the past five decades, she has embraced Fiji as home, continuing to share her passion for music as a retired Hindi and music teacher. Even after retiring in 2009 from teaching at Swami Vivekananda College, her love for the Hindi language led her to pursue further studies.
Encouraged by her children, especially her son Saral Dass who enrolled her at the university, she embarked on her educational journey. Despite facing challenges, including a health setback that interrupted her studies in 2015, she returned to her academic endeavors during the COVID-19 pandemic, successfully completing her courses in four years.
Mrs. Dass emphasizes the importance of preserving one’s mother language and culture, asserting that they are integral to our identity. She encourages parents to instill pride in their cultural heritage and motivates others to pursue their dreams regardless of age.
Her inspiring story serves as a testament to the idea that it’s never too late to achieve your goals and that passion and perseverance know no age limits. We can all draw encouragement from Mrs. Dass’s journey as a reminder that with dedication and support, anyone can turn their dreams into reality.
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