Mum’s Sacrifice Inspires Nakasi High Student
It was an emotional moment for Kamlesh Kumari when she saw her son Navneet Chand walk up to receive his Proximity award at the 2021 annual prize giving awards at Nakasi High School. A proximity award is given to the student who is close to receiving a Dux award.
Saturday 05 March 2022 | 19:30
Nakasi High School 2021 annual awards proximity award recipient Navneet Chand with proud mum, Kamesh Kumari on February 25, 2022. Photo: Ronald Kumar
It was an emotional moment for Kamlesh Kumari when she saw her son Navneet Chand walk up to receive his Proximity award at the 2021 annual prize giving awards at Nakasi High School.
A proximity award is given to the student who is close to receiving a Dux award.
Mrs Kumari, 48, believes that her hard work in raising her son led to his success.
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“My dream is coming true. I am happy that my son has completed his high school education.
“I have worked hard and faced many challenges just to see my son live an independent life.
“I had always taught him to study and learn well so that he could get a good job.”
The young Mr Chand said it was the first time his mother attended a prize giving ceremony.
“All these years, I never brought my mum to any of the prize giving ceremonies. She was busy earning income for my family which is why I never told her about my achievements.
“This is the first time I have brought her to school.”
The school’s deputy head boy said sacrifices made by his mother over the years was his source of inspiration.
He said they were a poor family as Ms Kumari used to work as a housemaid and his dad, who used to do casual work, now stays home as he suffers from Epilepsy.
He said his brother was only able to complete Year 12 because of financial issues.
The family of five lived in a one bedroom house until a family member offered Ms Kumari a catering business where she started earning $25 per day.
He said his mother deserved to win praises for his achievement.
'“I dedicate all my achievements to my mum,” Mr Chand said.
“The day I went home after finishing my exams, she held me and cried a lot saying that my struggles were finally over.”
Mr Chand said: “The struggles that I faced did not give me a reason to quit education, but motivated me to study hard and do something for my family.”
He says his dream is to build a big home for his parents.
He plans to pursue his studies in Accounting and Finance at a tertiary institution.
“I never want to be a burden on my family so I studied hard to get a scholarship so that I don’t have to pay off anything and my mum wouldn’t have to support me.”
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