Dropout is PM’s Youth of the Year Award Recipient
Behind every success story is an untold tale of pain, perseverance and hard work. This was no different for 34-yearold businessman, Sarvesh Chetty, who was awarded the Prime Minister’s Youth of the Year Award on Friday.
He was also the recipient of the Entrepreneur Award.
Some 17 years ago, Mr Chetty dropped out of school while in Year 12 at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School because his family faced financial constraints.
This setback never deterred his spirit as he took over the reins of their struggling family business, operating from a little shack out of their Samabula home in Suva.
Today, with a vision and hard work, the once struggling business has branches in Suva, Labasa and Nadi and employs close to 50 Fijians.
“Our business is called Filter Supplies and we specialise in the supply of filtration, lubricants and generators for power generation,” he said.
“I took over this business from my dad some 17 years ago. I had left school early and I couldn’t complete tertiary education.
“Back in the days we operated from a small shed at home and we did not have any staff so basically, I was just helping him out.
“I had to work very hard to get the business going from there in terms of funding and investments from the banks. I had to borrow money from family friends to get the business going.”
Award
Mr Chetty said to be recognised with two awards was a special feeling.
“I feel honoured and all the hard work has really paid off. I acknowledge my spiritual guide that has directed me all throughout my life,” he said.
“My parents have been the pillar of my strength and my team. We now have close to 50 staff operating in three branches.
“I would tell my sister that I would make the company grow one day and it was having that vision that was my strongest point of success.”
He said at times he would work 16 hours a day and never had any holidays or weekends.
“It was hard work and perseverance that made it happen,” he said.
He acknowledged his parents, wife, 11-year-old daughter and their team for their never-ending support.
“I want to motivate the youths, we have seen so many people giving up easily,” Mr Chetty said.
“I want to remind those who think that they have failed, to keep working hard, never lose hope if things get tough. Be honest and work hard, hard work is the only key to success.”
Prime Minister
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama while officiating at the awards said the National Youth Awards was a chance to recognise the achievements young people had produced.
“I often say that our people are Fiji’s greatest asset –– and I mean it,” he said.
“Youth, especially, are the backbone of any nation’s progress. Some countries are only getting older; their populations are aging, birth rates are falling, and their societies are becoming less dynamic as a result.
“Fiji doesn’t have that problem. Our nation is getting younger; 62 per cent of our population is below the age of 35.
“That is an advantage –– a huge advantage –– if we capitalise on it. Which is why we have made the investments that we have to empower the young people of this country.”