Former police officer returns to Labasa to give back to former school

A former Fiji Police officer who is now an American citizen returned to Labasa on Friday to give back to his former school, Bulileka Sanatan Dharm Primary School.

Dharmen Chandra, of Prince Andrew Road, Bulileka, and his wife, Madhu Chandra, donated a school billboard, sports jerseys, a dux trophy for Bulileka Sanatan Dharm Primary School and another dux trophy for Bulileka Sanatan Sanatan College.

The couple also provided lunch for more than 500 students and teachers from kindergarten to Year Eight. Mr Chandra served in the Fiji Police Force for 28 years before migrating to the United States.

“The saying, ‘It takes a whole village to raise a child,’ was evident in my life when I attended this school,” Mr Chandra said.

“At a time when we could not take care of ourselves, there were always dedicated teachers and members of the community who stepped in to help, ensuring children received an education that would lead to a better future.”

Mr Chandra said his parents had always taught him the importance of giving back to the community and he was pleased to put those values into practice.

Bulileka Sanatan Dharm Primary School manager Ramesh Kapoor thanked the couple on behalf of the school.

“It is a valuable lesson for the present generation, encouraging them to work hard and one day return to support the school in whatever way they can,” Mr Kapoor said.

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