Dux Dipika Tells Of Her Determination And Triumph
Ever since Dipika Nandni’s father got into an accident leaving him partially incapacitated, life became quite difficult.
Her mother had to find work as a sugarcane labourer as a result. This was 13 years ago.
Watching the struggle unfold before her eyes and having to endure also, Nandni was determined to do whatever she could to bring herself and her parents out of the dire situation.
On Wednesday, she came closer to that when she was announced the dux of Shiri Guru Nanak Khalsa College in Labasa.
The 19-year-old headgirl of Korotari, Labasa dedicated her achievement to her parents, Avinesh Chand, 42 and Reshmi Lata, 40.
“My father fell down from a school building while doing carpentry work and his legs got injured.
“Every week my mother had to take him to the Labasa Hospital and travel to Suva for his treatment at Colonial War Memorial (CWM) hospital. Life since then hasn’t been normal.
“Even though my father has been relieved from major pain, he forces himself to work as a sugarcane labourer to support me and my two younger brothers’ education,” the second eldest of four siblings said.
“Seeing my parents struggle motivated me to study daily after school.
“Long hours of sleepless nights helped me hold this dux award and bring honour to my parents.”
The aspiring dentist scored 358 out of 400.
Chief guest Labasa Hospital medical superintendent Doctor Vulibeci Jaoji encouraged the students to always strive for excellence and make their parents proud.
Edited by Mohammed Zulfikar
