Meet Mr Image Fiji, Abhishek Gounder one of the 13 king contestants at this August’s Vodafone Hibiscus Festival.

His advocacy message is on“Broken Families and its Impact on Children”

“The increasing number of separation or divorce cases is a major concern in our society today yet it is not being addressed enough, it is the root of other social issues such as domestic violence and child abuse,” Mr Gounder said.

He believes that the children are most vulnerable in these situations as they are affected mentally and physically and continue to bear on silently.

“The family has an important role to play in the upbringing of a child and they need the love and support from both parents so that they are able to have a happy and memorable childhood and grasp the right morals from a very young age,” he said.

He believes that most of the social issues concerning Fiji today can be solved through the strengthening of family bonds because parents are a child’s first teacher and they are entrusted with their future.

“Children are a reflection of their parents and their teachings”

Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola

Feedback: mere.satakala@fijisun.com.fj

WHO IS ABHISHEK GOUNDAR?

Abhishek Gounder, 22, is originally from Nadi and is the eldest of two siblings.

He attended Nadi Sangam Primary School and then moved to Labasa Sangam Primary School and then attended Bhawani Dayal Arya College in Nakasi.

He graduated from the University of the South Pacific this year with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Accounting and Information Systems.

Currently he is employed by Cloudlink Services Limited as a Graduate Accountant – Business Advisory.

What was your first reaction when you were told that you were one of the Kings contestants at this year’s festival?

Abhishek: After my audition I was eagerly waiting, on that afternoon I had just stepped out of the office to meet with my best friends. That was the time I got the call from Ben, my feelings at that moment were just unexplainable. I was over the moon and could not believe the opportunity that I received.

What are you most looking forward to for this year’s Festival?

Abhishek: I am looking forward to learning new things, new experiences and in turn finding myself as an individual and as a confident young leader with endless possibilities. I want to become a role model to the kids watching and on my journey, help as many people as I can. I am looking forward to creating memories which I believe I would carry forever in my heart.

Has it ever crossed your mind growing up and watching the festival that one day you’ll be a constestant in it?

Abhishek: Yes, I have always been a big fan of the contestants every year. The way that they present themselves has always been captivating for me and whenever I used to watch them I hoped that one day I could be standing there. Now given the opportunity, I feel really blessed and honored that I would get to live my dreams.

What can you say about your sponsors, briefly explain about the organization that most people know nothing about?

Abhishek: I am proudly sponsored by Image Fiji Limited. Image Fiji started in 1988 and specializes in screen Printing & embroidery. They manufacture, print and supply: t-shirts, sulus, caps, shorts, sports uniforms, custom bula shirts and fabric prints, vinyl’s signs for motor vehicles, PVC banners with full color print, full color heat press for all garments and so on.

They are also the creators and designers of the elegant and beautiful sashes for the Hibiscus Festival and other pageants as well.

Apart from your current position, what do you like doing in your past time?

Abhishek: I like to go to the gym and train. I feel that physical activity is really important to live a healthy lifestyle and to maintain a balance in your life. Training has been something which I take seriously and it is something which has helped me in gaining more confidence in myself as well as making me more focused and determined towards my goals.

Who are your greatest inspiration by far?

Abhishek: My greatest inspiration would be my parents because they have been very good role models to me. I have always looked up to them and I am happy to have them in my life. They have always supported me with whatever I chose to do in life. I want to make them proud because they have worked hard in their life and now it is my chance to do something for them.

Other people that inspire me the most are Shah Rukh Khan, Cristiano Ronaldo and the great Arnold Schwarzenegger. They motivate me to strive everyday to become better, their stories of coming up from nothing and making a name for themselves through their hard work and determination really drives and motivates me. Whenever I feel myself lost, I always hear their wise words of encouragement and I take my failures to fuel my ambitions so that one day I can reach my goals.

Some of the challenges in your line of work?

Abhishek: As an accountant the main challenge that we all face is that of time management. It is really important for us to be efficient because at times we are overloaded with a lot of things. We need to prioritize our work in order be able to complete everything successfully and on time.

What would you like to take away from this year’s Hibiscus?

Abhishek: I would like to carry with me all the new things which I have learnt from this humbling experience and pass it on to others who are wanting to be future contestants. I would also like to continue with my advocacy message so that I am able to make a change in the lives of people.

FAVORITE:

Quote: “Failure is not an option. Everyone has to succeed.”

“The worst thing I can be is the same as everybody else. I hate that.” Arnold Schwarzenegger

Book: Goosebumps series

Food: Chicken Curry, Dhal and Rice made by mum.

Song right Now: Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee – Despacito (Remix Audio) ft. Justin Bieber

All time Movie: Main HoonNaa and the Fast and Furious Series.

Guilty Pleasure: Eating chocolates and Fizzy drinks.