Age should never be considered a limitation when it comes to chasing one’s aspirations. Many individuals have accomplished remarkable feats later in life, whether it’s initiating a new career, acquiring new skills, or engaging in creative endeavors. The key factors are passion, determination, and the willingness to learn. It’s never too late to pursue your dreams, as long as you are committed to putting in the effort.
One inspiring story is that of Shraddha Dass from Nasoso, Nadi, who recently celebrated her graduation with a Master’s degree in Arts at the age of 74. Her exceptional work earned her a gold medal for outstanding academic performance and the Ami Chandra Vidyalankar Memorial Award from the University of Fiji. Her achievements serve as a beacon of inspiration for many.
Originally from Indore, India, Mrs. Dass relocated to Fiji in 1972 after marrying acclaimed musician Sattvik Dass. Over the past five decades, she has embraced Fiji as her home, actively contributing to the community as a retired Hindi and music teacher, while also promoting classical Indian music.
Mrs. Dass reflected on her interest in Hindi, stating, “Since my high school days, I have loved the Hindi language.” She dedicated many years to teaching Hindi and music across schools in Viti Levu and finally retired in 2009 from Swami Vivekananda College. After retiring, she felt compelled to complete her own education in Hindi, spurred on by the encouragement of her family, particularly her son, Saral Dass, who enrolled her in university.
Her journey, however, wasn’t without challenges. In 2015, illness interrupted her studies. After a pause, she returned in 2020 during the pandemic and enrolled at the University of Fiji, successfully completing all her courses in just four years.
Mrs. Dass emphasizes the importance of preserving one’s mother language, stating, “The love for our mother language should never die. We are identified through our culture and language.” She encourages everyone to take pride in their heritage and instill this pride in the next generation.
Her story is a powerful reminder that age is not a barrier to achieving your dreams. It highlights the potential for growth and learning at any stage of life. As Mrs. Dass so eloquently puts it, “Remember, you can pursue your dreams anytime; age is not a limit.”
This narrative not only inspires but fuels a hopeful perspective that it’s never too late to forge ahead in life, proving that determination can transcend age.
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