A man of many hats
AMID the hustle and bustle of serving passengers high above the clouds, Avikash Lal, a flight attendant with Fiji Airways, juggles a life that is rooted in the fields just as it is entrenched in the skies. His story isn’t just about serving food and drinks at 30,000 feet, it’s also about determination and a relentless pursuit of his dreams. Combining the grace of a flight attendant, the endurance of an athlete and the dedication of a farmer, his days are a testament to the power of hard work and passion.
From his upbringing in Nadi, where his father Parshattom Lal inspired and coaxed him into farming and long-distance running, Avikash learned early the value of balancing multiple pursuits.
“My dad was dedicated to his farm just as he was on the track,” he says.
“So, growing up, I was inspired by how he juggled life daily.”
Avikash’s mornings, often started before the crack of dawn, he’d prepare his running shoes for a rigorous 14-kilometre trek to Palas Nadi where he used to work as a mechanic.
He carries a bag and his trusty music box. This routine isn’t just about transportation, it was his training ground, earning him the nickname “Hustler” from those who have witnessed his dedication.
But Avikash’s journey didn’t stop there. Through high school, he stood apart from his peers due to his singular focus on his goals. Every endeavour was a step towards his ambitions.
Even the humble act of selling produce door-todoor was a lesson in perseverance in which every dollar earned was a triumph.
“In school, I didn’t have a lot of friends because I was too focused on achieving my goals,” he adds.
Despite facing setbacks, including multiple hospitalisations and a shattered left leg in 2008 that threatened to derail his athletic aspirations, he refused to be deterred.
“When I broke my left leg, the doctors told me I was not going to run again. But here I am still running.”
Among the whirlwind of his accomplishments, his list of athletic triumphs reads like a saga of perseverance and victory. From clinching gold at the Guam cross-country event to securing bronze at the South Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea, his journey has been punctuated by moments of glory on the track and the road.
Representing Fiji at the international stage became his mission. He raced in marathons from the Gold Coast to Shanghai, leaving his mark with each stride.
Whether it was standing on the podium at the Oceania Championships or braving the elements in the Vancouver Hypothermic Half Marathon, Avikash’s dedication to his sport knows no bounds.
Traveling the world, both as an athlete and a member of the Fiji Airways cabin crew, has broadened his perspective and fueled his drive to achieve even greater heights.
His unwavering dedication to his craft isn’t just about personal success, it’s about inspiring the next generation. Through social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, he shares glimpses of his journey, offering advice and motivation to aspiring athletes and ambitious individuals alike.
As he prepares to embark on yet another venture, opening a business in Nadi that pays homage to his roots as a farmer’s son, his story serves as a beacon of hope and determination.
In a world where easy paths beckon and challenges abound, his journey reminds us that with humility, hard work and a genuine circle of support, anything is possible.
Avikash Lal’s story isn’t just about defying the odds, it’s about rewriting them entirely.
And as he continues to soar to new heights, both literally and figuratively, his legacy is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human heart.
“If you’re humble and you work hard, then you will go a long way,” he sayd.
“Life is short, but if you put your mind to something, you can achieve your goals.”