David Ashok Makanji’s voice broke for a second when he saw his mother crying in the audience at yesterday’s Tavua College prizegiving.

The Dux had just told the big crowd that his mother sold sweets in Tavua Town daily to earn a living and give him and his sister a good life.

David said this with a lot of pride for his mother, Ashaben Solanki, a single parent.

Chief guest Minister for Local Government, Environment, Housing, Infrastructure and Transport Parveen Bala was among the crowd.

David later told the Fiji Sun: “Sir, since I began my high school at Tavua College, I have never asked mum for a single cent for my spending.

“I did not do this because I knew how she was struggling to give my sister, Mariam Makanji, who is a University of the South Pacific student, and I, a life which she never had.”

Ms Solanki is originally from India. She came to Fiji after getting married. However, she parted ways with her husband when David was in Year 5.

Yesterday Mrs Solanki said she was still not a citizen of Fiji and would love to become one.

He said his mother “allowed me to claim a table in our sitting room for my studies.

“Thank you mum – it is your hard work and determination that today I am the dux of Tavua College.

“Although she is a single parent, she never refrained from providing me the best.”

David’s hard work saw him attain the highest marks in Mathematics, English, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. He attributed this to his mother, sister, the teachers and the students’ support.

David paid special mention to Jayesh Khatri, of Australia, who financially aided his education.

“The Red Cross was crucial in getting Mr Khatri to provide the finance for my schooling and I am indebted to them,” he said.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

Feedback: charles.chambers@fijisun.com.fj