Newly inducted prefects of Nasinu’s Rishikul Sanatan College have been told that respect is an important part of the role.

The comment came from Eci Nabalarua, the Dean for the College of Humanities and Education at the Fiji National University, who was chief guest at the induction ceremony.

Ms Nabalarua told the newly badged student leaders that it was not only good with their interactions, with students and teachers but with members of the public as well.

For Ratesh Pranil Chandra and Madhu Chandra, parents of newly-appointed head boy Shahil Chandra, it was a proud moment.

Shahil is a Year 13 science student who was surprised with his appointment, but was ready for the challenge.

“This badge comes with responsibilities. I was the head boy for the primary school that was the build up to today,” he said.

“There are 54 amazing prefects and we will work together to bring change. When there is unity, we can conquer anything.”

His dream is to become a doctor.

Meanwhile, Year 13 science student Nishika Neha Kumar was surprised, but glad to fulfil her parents’ dream.

“I would like to thank the principal, staff  members, my parents, family and friends for being very supportive and believing in me to take on this role,” she said.

“I want to further my education in the medical field, become a doctor and make my parents proud,” she said.

School principal Rose Sharma told the students that her vision for the prefects was to become true leaders.

“A true leader is someone who earns respect through their honest acts without any dictatorship as true leaders inspire others to follow their footsteps and become the guiding light for everyone,” she said.

One new feature this year was bringing back the student’s council after a lapse of several years.

A total of 130 prefects, 54 class captains, 22 student council reps, 44 college prefects and six head prefects were inducted yesterday.

Edited by Epineri Vula