FNU academic fulfils lifelong dream of studying law

A senior Fiji National University academic with multiple postgraduate qualifications has fulfilled a lifelong dream of studying law while balancing teaching, family responsibilities and research.

Associate Professor Sakul Kundra recently added another qualification to his long academic journey after graduating with a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the South Pacific.

Mr Kundra, who teaches in the School of Arts and Humanities under the College of Humanities, Education and Law, said the achievement marked an important milestone.

“This accomplishment motivates me to continue my learning journey,” he said.

Despite already holding a PhD in History, an MPhil in History, a Master of Arts and Bachelor of Arts in History, postgraduate diplomas in Education and Journalism, and a postgraduate certificate in Book Publishing, Mr Kundra said continuous learning had always remained important to him.

Balancing work, family and study

He described the law programme as demanding, particularly as a mature in-service student balancing work, family responsibilities and studies.

“Reconciling career obligations, family duties and academic demands was always challenging,” he said.

“Achieving employment KPIs, supporting my children and family, attending to parents abroad, and concurrently navigating rigorous law education required unwavering discipline and determination.”

Mr Kundra said many late nights were spent studying legislation, case law and legal concepts.

“My family emerged as the paramount source of support throughout this academic journey,” he said.

“As a mature student, there is immense pressure not just to perform but to succeed.”

He said his late father inspired his lifelong approach to learning.

“I have always upheld the principle that each day should yield some sort of learning, even if it improves us by just one per cent,” he said.

Mr Kundra said his decision to study law came from a desire to better understand how legislation shaped society and affected people’s daily lives.

“Legal education enhanced my capacity for critical analysis, ethical reasoning, and significant contributions to public awareness and social activism,” he said.

He said studying law had strengthened his understanding of climate change, human rights and social justice issues affecting developing nations and Pacific Island countries.

“Studying law has enhanced my understanding of legal ideas and their application in society, fostering awareness, advocacy and constructive transformation,” he said.

“The integration of history and law has expanded my viewpoint and reinforced my dedication to justice, education and progress.”

Academic journey across India and Fiji

Mr Kundra has more than 15 years of teaching and research experience.

His academic career began in 2009 when he was appointed assistant professor teaching History at a law college in Delhi, India.

Born and raised in Delhi, he comes from a family with strong educational roots. His father and grandfather were involved in writing Social Science and refresher books under the names Kundra and Bawa.

Mr Kundra completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Delhi before earning an MPhil from Jamia Millia Islamia and a PhD in History from Jawaharlal Nehru University.

He also completed postgraduate qualifications in Journalism and Book Publishing in India.

After moving to Fiji more than a decade ago, Mr Kundra completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Education at the University of the South Pacific, graduating with a gold medal and a GPA of 4.5.

“From a young age, I also had a dream of studying law,” he said.

“Later, I finally got the opportunity to pursue that dream at the University of the South Pacific.”

Mr Kundra said Fiji had become close to his heart over the years.

He became a Fiji citizen almost four years ago.

“It was a very proud and emotional moment for me, as Fiji has given me many opportunities for personal and professional growth,” he said.

Looking ahead, Mr Kundra hopes to contribute to legal practice, particularly in areas relating to human rights, environmental protection, climate change and social justice.

“My academic and professional interest is especially inclined towards advocacy, with a focus on criminal law and international public law,” he said.

At the same time, he said he remained committed to teaching and legal research.

“I would like to continue sharing knowledge with students while contributing through legal research and publications,” he said.

Mr Kundra is married and has two children.

His message to students is to embrace lifelong learning.

“Education does not end with a degree; it is a continuous cycle of growth,” he said.

“Success comes through dedication, perseverance and hard work.”