Breast cancer survivor, Subhashni Devi, 44, was emotional when her son Shartik Lal, 13, was inducted as the headboy of Fiji Society for the Blind yesterday.

Ms Devi left home at around 6.30am from Barotu Village in Rakiraki, Ra to witness her son’s induction at the school in Vatuwaqa, Suva.

Her husband Rajendra Lal, 47, is a farmer.

She said Shartik, who is the youngest her two sons, was a hardworking and an ambitious boy.

“He wants to become a teacher to support us and help and teach children with disabilities,” she said.

Ms Devi said she was excited when she was informed by the school that her son would be inducted as headboy.

“We have been supporting Shartik with his education and we will continue to support him to fulfill his dream of becoming a teacher,” she said.

Ms Devi said Shartik attended Barotu Primary School in Rakiraki from Year One to Year Four, but was later sent to attend the School for the Blind because of his eye sight.

Ms Devi, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2008, said she was proud of her son’s achievement.

Shartik, who is partially blind, has been studying at the Fiji Society for the Blind since 2013.

“I am so lucky and proud to have wonderful, loving and caring parents, who are always there to support me,” he said.   Edited by Filipe Naigulevu