No laptop, no barrier for Trisha’s space dream
She worked through learning modules, prepared for technical assessments and interviews on the device — and earned the opportunity to represent Fiji.
Sunday 23 August 2026 | 15:30
Year 10 Xavier College student Trisha Lal with her family and support system.
Supplied.
A mobile phone was 16-year-old Trisha Anshi Lal’s classroom as she pursued a dream that will now take her from Ba to an international space science programme in India.
The Year 10 Xavier College student did not have a laptop at home, so she completed almost the entire Mission ShakthiSAT programme on her mobile phone.
She worked through learning modules, prepared for technical assessments and interviews on the device — and earned the opportunity to represent Fiji.
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Trisha left Fiji on Thursday for Mission ShakthiSAT, a global all-girls satellite programme bringing together young women from 108 countries.
From August 22 to 31, she will join participants at Gautam Buddha University in Greater Noida, India, for an intensive programme covering space science, satellite technology, innovation, leadership and international collaboration.
For Trisha’s family, her achievement carries special meaning.
Her father, Tony Lal, operates a small tyre repair garage in Ba, while her mother, Ashnita Chand, stays at home.
Despite the family’s limited access to technology, Trisha continued with the programme using what she had.
“We are proud of her determination and grateful for the blessings that have brought her this far,” Ms Chand said.
As Trisha’s opportunity to travel to India became a reality, support came from the wider community.
The Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation contributed $5,500 towards her international airfare.
Dr Hari Shankar Lal, a Xavier College alumnus based in the United States, donated US$1,081 towards a laptop for Trisha.
Xavier College contributed $500, while Mind to Heart XC provided $1600.
The support meant Trisha finally received a laptop at an important stage of her journey, giving her access to technology that had previously been beyond her reach.
Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation chief executive officer Ambalika Devi said the organisation was proud to support her.
“By supporting Trisha, we continue our mission of empowering young women and bridging the digital divide, ensuring that Fijians can access opportunities to lead and innovate internationally,” Ms Devi said.
Xavier College vice-principal Ashita Ashu Sharma said Trisha’s achievement reflected her hard work.
“Trisha’s success reflects her hard work and the values of humility, respect, and perseverance that Xavier College instils in its students,” she said.
Mission ShakthiSAT is led by Space Kidz India in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation and IN-SPACe.
The programme aims to empower more than 12,000 girls through science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, satellite technology and space exploration.
Trisha travelled to India with Fiji’s Mission ShakthiSAT ambassador Sharina Shanaz.
