Dux Thankful for Scholarship, Can’t Wait To Begin Career Path As Doctor
Namrata Neha Chand and her family are celebrating as they countdown to the days she will begin her six-year study programme for a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) at the Fiji National University. Ms Chand was among the 2144 successful National Toppers Scheme (NTS) scholarship applications received by the Tertiary Scholarship and Loans Board (TSLB) as of December 28, 2018. Ms Chand, 19, a Year 13 student also took out the 2018 Dux Award at the Sangam Sadhu Kuppuswamy Memorial College (SSKMC). “Because it was my dream from the beginning to be a doctor, that will be my career path,” she said.
“All of this was possible through the Government’s National Toppers Scheme scholarship and I’m among the fortunate applicants.
“My uncle, Dr Raj Sharma, a specialist at the CWM Hospital has been instrumental in my bid to study medicine.
“I had high hopes, when the email came to say my application has been accepted. I could hardly hold myself,” said Ms Chand, the eldest of two siblings. Her subject marks for the Fiji Year 13 Certificate Examination: English 91, Biology 89, Physic 93, Maths 99 and Chemistry 97.
Her father, Ajit Chand, 47, a construction worker said, the secret apart from her daughters’ intellectual capacity was the support and humble upbringing at home.
“Definitely I am blessed and feel proud about my daughter’s achievement for her hard work and sheer dedication,” Mr Chand said.
“She was committed. When she was young I told her of the difficult times we struggled through and if she can do her best for the family’s sake.”
Ms Chand will start her classes at the Fiji National University next month.
Edited by Percy Kean