Branesh Prakash, a graduate of
The University of the South Pacific’s
Faculty of Business and Economics (FBE) said he felt ‘exhilarated’ to receive four Gold Medals during USP’s Medals and Awards Ceremony, that included The Vice-Chancellor and President’s All-Rounder Gold Medal for the Best Combined Academic Performance and Record Service to the Community.
23-year-old Branesh also received gold medals for the Most Outstanding Bachelor of Commerce Graduate; Most Outstanding Graduate with a major in Economics and Most Outstanding Graduate with a major in Mathematics. He graduated in March 2020 with a Bachelor of Commerce degree majoring in Economics and Mathematics.
His mother, Naynish Lata Prakash received the awards on his behalf during the ceremony held on 24th September as he was sitting exams with the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA), UK.
In honouring the high achievers, Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, said the 66 graduates who received their Gold Medals during the Awards ceremony were a testament of the Pacific region’s richness of intelligent and talented individuals who have the drive and capability to excel anywhere in the world.
Branesh thanked
The University of the South Pacific for the recognition and said he felt more motivated now to utilise his knowledge and skills for society development in the best way he can.
He is a former student and DUX of MGM High School, as well as national topper of the Fiji Year-12 examination in 2014.
“I overcame major challenges of balancing home life, studying and being involved in various USP activities through careful planning and scheduling.” said Branesh.
“Dedication to whatever I did included spending long nights and sometimes whole weekends on studying and extracurricular preparatory work, but mastering concepts I am studying or opportunities to bond with and learn from colleagues when participating in activities were extremely rewarding. Equally, my family were always very considerate of all my studies and university activities.”
His biggest academic motivation has been his passion to learn as much as he could. “The conceptual underpinning of ideas of Economics and Mathematics, as well as its practical applications, are fascinating and I enjoyed reading the textbooks.”
He dedicated his success to his mom (Naynish Lata Prakash), dad (Prakash)) and his sister (Pranisha) whose overwhelming support and belief in him has been crucial to all his accomplishments.
“I am also deeply grateful to all my teachers, mentors and friends and of course, forever thankful to God for giving us all the strength and life.”
Branesh is currently working at BSP Life as a Graduate Actuarial Analyst.
