Four Fijians bound for India
Waseem Sufyaan Ali, 18, of Lautoka, was inspired by his sister and mother who studied in India to apply for scholarships offered by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) Suva.
His prayers were answered yesterday when he was given a chance to study for a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Aeronautical Engineering at Gujarat Technological College.
He was one of the four scholarship recipients who received their air tickets at the Indian High Commission office at Life Insurance Corporation India (LICI) building in Suva yesterday.
“I am privileged to do a BE because this course is not offered in Fiji and I am fortunate to be given a scholarship,” Mr Ali said. “I will work hard so that I can come back after I complete my studies so that I can serve my country.” Wassim’s course is for four years. Another recipient, Pauliasi Manuloa Dakunimata, 19, said he was blessed to have been given an opportunity to make his dream come true.
“I was a Year 13 student at Xavier College last year and this year I started doing short courses at Fiji Maritime Academy while waiting for the response from ICCR,” Mr Dakunimata said. “I am grateful and honoured to be given the opportunity to study in India.” Indian high commissioner Vishvas Sapkal reminded the Fijian students to uphold their academic excellence in India and serve their country.
The other two recipients, Zakiya Zeba Maqbool and Sherine Prasad, said they were extremely glad and lucky to be selected. The students leave for India between the end of this month and the first week of next month.