From India to Fiji
More than 11,000km from home to support his West Bengal family
“
THROUGH my work, I hope to give a better life to my family back in India,” says India national Subrata Konai.
The 51-year-old moved to Fiji more than six months ago in search for better opportunities, a better life and to help the physically challenged in Fiji.
The soft-spoken man hails from West Bengal in India and is currently the prosthetic and orthotic specialist at the Hope Centre in Nadi.
“I love it here in Fiji. It is a beautiful country with a lot of opportunities and the weather is very similar to where I lived in India,” he said.
“It is very green here and is not much crowded.”
Konai says he is a family man and the needs of those close to him is always priority over anything else.
“I want to save money and help my family. I want my niece and nephews to receive better education and not face any financial obstacles that could shy them from building a bright future for themselves.”
He said after completing his Year 12 examinations, Komai took prosthetic and orthotic training at an institute in Bangalore, India.
“In order to get more experience, I went on to join Mobility India and worked there for five years.
“I have always been keen about sharing my knowledge on this particular field so that more people can have some form of mobility.”
Konai said his motivation to work more than 11,000km away from home, came from the fact that he came through the struggles back in India.
“And I tell you the challenges faced were enormous. That is where I get my motivation. All I need to do is remind myself of the difficulties we faced back home in
India.
“I like to see people smile and be happy. People without limbs face a lot of challenges.”
He said one of his goals is to have a good future for him and his family.
“My hobbies include watching television especially news and discovery channel which helps me broaden my knowledge and have a better understanding on life.”
Konai said good communication is also a key in understanding a person better.
“In my profession, I have faced various challenges such as making sure that the prosthetic limbs match the requirements of a particular individual.
“This requires skills and a lot time to create the best to suit the client because they will use it for a long time.”
Komai said he had a three- year work visa and hoped to extend this for another 10 years. He sends money home to his family every month.
I want to save money and help my family. I want my niece and nephews to receive better education and not face any financial obstacles that could shy them from building a bright future for themselves
– Subrata Konai –