A Year 12 student inspired by the history of the late Ratu Sir Josefa Lalabalavu Vanayaliyali Sukuna was motivated to make his portrait. Munadi Ahmed of Labasa College spent one week painting the portrait using four colours on a 36×46 centimetre board. The 17-year-old who is from Pakistan has been living at Wailevu, Labasa, with his family since the age of five when his father was appointed as the priest.
Last year he drew a similar image, but it was until this year he was compelled to make a better portrait. “When I come home after school, my father always advise me to go out and play with siblings, breathe fresh air as a form of relaxation and to promote good health,” Munadi said. The eldest of four siblings said he used this time to draw and once it was completed he showed it to his father.
“I spent my childhood in this beautiful country of Fiji and to know that Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna was the first Fijian to receive a university degree and that’s from Wadham College, Oxford,” he said. He described him as a great chief who worked for his people, a hero who stood for his country, a solider and a disciplined Fijian who chose to value education. “I wish more people take the initiative to read about his life and history and do something for this country,” he said.
The aspiring mechanical engineer thanked his parents for giving him the opportunity to use his talent as being a tech science student he enjoys drawing. Feedback: shratikan@fijisun.com.
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