From struggling to adapt in a new city to becoming the Vice-Chancellor’s All-Rounder Best Male Graduate for 2026, Kaushik Kishen Kumar credits his parents for their strong support.
Kumar, who is originally from Lautoka, told fijivillage News that being from the Western Division and fond of home, it was difficult for him to move to Suva and quickly adapt to USP and the environment.
He stresses that his parents, who run a small family business in Ba have been extremely supportive throughout his journey, serving as his backbone.
Insert:Kumar on family support 15th April
The eldest in the Kumar family emphasises that despite many struggles, he worked part-time in clubs as a bartender to support himself financially and avoid being a burden to his family back home.
He stresses that challenges were something he loved and enjoyed, adding that every step of the way he believed God was with him and that he was looking forward to what lies ahead.
Kumar shares that he was not expecting the award, adding that his years of dedication to USP and the wider community had finally paid off, as he was honoured.
He shares that USP had been more than a university to him, describing it as a home adding that after completing his undergraduate studies, he began teaching and continued to do so while finishing his Master’s in Information Systems.
Being the first in his family to complete a master’s degree and receive a medal, Kumar says he had set the bar for his siblings and cousins and was confident they would soon follow in his footsteps.
Alongside academics, Kumar has led student initiatives, including the USP Indo-Fijian Students Association, and has now been selected as Deputy Chair of the Student Council.
While speaking to fijivillage News, he said he has started his PhD and is looking forward to further studies.
He adds that he aims to serve the community more by getting involved with different communities, associations and NGOs, noting that USP had laid a strong foundation for growth.
Kumar encourages students to believe in themselves, noting that he was not always a strong academic but never gave up on his goals.
Meanwhile, Kumar is preparing for his graduation, which he describes as a tribute to his grandparents, with his parents, family and friends all travelling from the West to be part of it.
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