Shaan Ali an inspiring example that there is no substitute for hard work and sacrifice
The story of Shaan Ali of Seaqaqa, Labasa is an inspiring one. He rose from being a peanut seller to become a successful business entrepreneur, now operating a taxi, two sawmills, a cane trucking business and three cane farms.
The journey to where he is today was founded by humility, hard work and sacrifice, a clear recipe for success.
Mr Ali was armed with a good work ethic which kept him going through tough times.
He had a humble beginning but he did not allow those hard times to discourage him.
He did not compare himself to his neighbours or others who have done well.
He did not complain and ask why he did not have what others enjoy.
Mr Ali focused on the task at hand and made sure that he did an excellent job . Step by step, line upon line, precept by precept, he grew his little business empire. He learned as he went through the good and the bad times. His character and stature grew also. But he never let his eye off the pedal.
He remains focused and humble right up to today, He has a stable family obviously fortified by the good values that he taught them through his example. He was never handed anything on a silver platter. He worked for everything he received and lives the principle of self reliance.
Some of us need to learn from Mr Ali. We should stop whinging and moaning about almost everything and expect others including the Government to bail us out, particularly when we have the potential to help ourselves.
There must be others like Mr Ali out there.
They are some of the real heroes in our communities. They allow the Government to focus on helping those that genuinely need help, like the poor, destitutes, the physically and mentally challenged, the sick and the elderly.