FNU Council Member in Queen’s Birthday Honours List
Fijian-born academic and a member of the newly appointed Fiji National University (FNU) Council, is in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2019.
Professor Dharmendra Sharma, originally from Ba, has served as the Chair of the Academic Board since 2014 at the University of Canberra. He was also the Dean of Engineering and Information Sciences from 2007 to 2012 and was Head of the School of Information Sciences and Engineering prior to that. He is recognised as a Member of the Order (AM) in the recipients’ list. There are four categories in the list, Companion of the Order (AC), Officer of the Order (AO), Medal of the Order (OAM) and AM. The list includes Australians, like actor Hugh Jackman (AC), and former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd (AC).
“I feel honoured by the recognition and dedicate it to my people of the Fijian diaspora,” he said. “The journey will continue as I draw energy and enthusiasm from this validation and recognition of my contributions,” Professor Sharma
said.
“My humble journey starting in Fiji has taught me much. I am indebted to all my people for their support, understanding and to make sacrifices to get the best for their children and their generations to come. I have been a beneficiary.
“University of the South Pacific (USP) had been instrumental in shaping my journey and there are many I am ever so thankful to. Out of challenges, we draw opportunities that provide the oxygen to keep moving.”
Professor Sharma was in Fiji two weeks ago to attend the inaugural meeting of the newly appointed FNU Council.
“I’m very excited to be able to make a contribution through my experience and the interest that I have,” said Professor Sharma.
“Coming back to Fiji where I was actually born and brought up has been a big pull for me you know. Each time I come to Fiji I always feel special, and look for ways to contribute back. The opportunity at FNU is a great vehicle for me to do that.”
Professor Sharma is not new to the education system in Fiji, having worked at USP for over twenty years and had served on the Fiji Institute of Technology (FIT) board several years ago.
Source: Fiji National University