Mum’s sacrifice inspires Pillay

Nineteen-year-old Shiumani Pillay has dedicated his academic achievement to his single mother, Indara Mina, a vegetable farmer from Naivuvuni, Rakiraki, whose sacrifices made his education possible.

Mr Pillay was among more than 50 students who graduated from Pacific Polytech Campus in Tagitagi, Tavua, yesterday.

He received a Level 3 Certificate in Electrical Fitter Mechanic.

The former Nakauvadra High School student said the qualification marked the beginning of his journey towards becoming a skilled electrician and eventually owning his own electrical business.

He said his greatest motivation had always been his mother, who raised him and his brother, who lives with a disability, after she and his father separated.

"When my parents separated, my mother took care of us and worked tirelessly to support our education," Mr Pillay said.

"I saw her struggles every day as she planted vegetables and sold them to provide for our family. She even paid for my travel from Rakiraki so I could attend classes at Polytech.

Mr Pillay also expressed his gratitude to Pacific Polytech for giving him the opportunity to pursue his dream through vocational education.

Receiving his certificate, he said, was a proud and emotional moment that strengthened his determination to succeed.

His mother, Indara Mina, said she was proud to see her son's hard work rewarded.

"I am very happy because he has achieved something meaningful in his life," she said. "I hope one day he will own his own electrical business."

Ms Mina said one of the biggest challenges she faced while supporting her son's education was the cost and difficulty of transportation, particularly daily bus travel between Rakiraki and Tavua.

Despite financial and logistical challenges, she remained committed to ensuring her children had access to education.

Their story reflects the resilience of a family determined to overcome adversity through hard work, sacrifice and education, with both mother and son hopeful of a brighter future.