UNLOCKING DESTINY
‘Unlocking Destiny’
BEING partially blind did not deter Druvkaran Nand from making his voice and struggles heard. Nand unlocked the door to his success when he launched his first book Unlocking Destiny last month.
“The main aim of writing this book was the will to inspire as many people as possible because some societies view persons with disability differently,” he said.
The novice writer aims to change the representation of persons with disability through his writing.
“Unlocking Destiny portrays the story of my life that is the struggles that I faced while growing up.
“The book targets children with disabilities, and through it, I wish to create awareness to overcome the stigma and discrimination faced by persons with disabilities on a regular basis.
“In the current world, where we are faced by the impact of COVID-19, it is important to include and consider everyone whether they are disabled or able, because every action affects us emotionally and physically.”
The former student of the Fiji Society for the Blind said time was a major hurdle for him in completing the book.
“The major challenge while writing the book was time and the fact that my secondary school life was in progress, it was very hard to balance both things.
“To curb the problem of time, I used to write the story in an exercise book during the school holidays and later transferred on to a Word document program.”
An aspiring journalist, Nand pursues a Degree in journalism and politics at the University of the South Pacific.
“I attended Rishikul Primary School in the early stages before continuing my primary education at the Fiji School for the Blind, as I am a person with low vision.
“I later attended Ahmadiyya Muslim College before completing foundation studies at USP and now a third year journalism student.
“During my study period I never felt or made myself believe that I was different and with that belief in my mind I have won many recognitions and awards that include the Encouragement, Documentary and Exemplary student at the Journalism Awards Night at USP.”
The 22-year-old encourages everyone to believe in themselves and set their targets.
“Always believe in yourself and never underestimate your ability by comparing yourself to others.
“Work hard and achieve your targets and always set targets which will not only benefit you, but will benefit everyone in some way,” he said.
The book targets children with disabilities, and through it I wish to create awareness to overcome the stigma and discrimination faced by persons with disabilities on a regular basis. – Druvkaran Nand –