Sagar makes family proud

Mixed emotions echoed through a small room within the Vodafone Arena yesterday as members of the Sagar family celebrated the successful journey of their daughter, Priyashna Shivangi Sagar, 21.

Travelling from Nasau, Nadi, Sunita Devi, 56, and her husband Ram Sagar, 56, couldn’t stop their tears as their daughter walked up the aisle to receive the Best Student Award for Bachelor of Commerce.

Ms Sagar is a Bachelor of Commerce student majoring in Economic and Accounting at the Fiji National University, Namaka Campus in Nadi.

She considered herself as a product of discipline and hard work.

“I grew up in a family where financial bearings were a major challenge,” she said.

“I have two elder siblings who are working, but back then, I saw how my dad took up casual jobs to ensure we stayed in school,” Ms Sagar said.

“Education was a challenge. I made sure my priorities were set despite the other challenges I endured at home.”

Ms Sagar said being the youngest in her family and seeing her parents in tears yesterday was a sign that she had made her parents proud.

Ms Sagar took the Dux award while in Year 10 attending Mulomulo Primary School and took second place during her last year at the Mulomulo Secondary School.

Through the National Toppers Scholarship, Ms Sagar was able to successfully complete her studies.

“My elder brother was my biggest supporter because at times when I would inquire to find work while schooling to help the family, he would despise the idea telling me to just concentrate on my schoolwork,” she said.

Her mother was emotional yesterday seeing her daughter succeed.

“The bus fare assistance, the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service and other assistance provided until now helped us a lot,” Ms Devi said.

“I am so proud of her. The struggles we encountered over the years have paid off and I can’t express how grateful I am for this day.”

Ms Sagar now works at the Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPGM) International Limited.

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