On the outskirts of Labasa Town in Vanua Levu, Fiji, a young Ashish Maharaj grew up amidst modest beginnings, surrounded by the charm of rural life of the province of Macuata.
This unassuming background became the foundation for a journey marked by perseverance, dedication, commitment, family sacrifice and an insatiable curiosity for knowledge despite the challenges of financial constraints that plagued his family.
“I grew up in a small household without a silver spoon. My parents worked tirelessly doing odd jobs to get an income for our sustenance and to meet our educational needs.”
“Our parents knew our ticket out of the daily struggles and financial constraints lies in education. Their hard work and commitment to ensure we have a better future drive me to do my best in every aspect of my life so that they know their sacrifice was not in vain,” Maharaj said with tears welling up in his eyes.
This upbringing propelled him to excel in his studies. Eventually, it earned him a national scholarship to pursue a Bachelor of Environmental Science at The University of the South Pacific (USP) Laucala Campus in Suva, Fiji.
“After being accepted into USP, I left home – this was the first time I left my family behind. It was tough because, for most of my life, my family life was all I knew and moving to a whole new environment was far different from what I expected.”
“Being away from your family in itself is a sacrifice. When I was in Suva, I felt homesick more times than I can count – particularly during my first semester. However, knowing the sacrifices my parents had made and paving the way for my younger sibling pushed me to excel in school,” he recalled.
His stellar academic performance and ability to juggle his social and educational life paid off as he was recognised as a Gold Medalist for the School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences (SAGEONS). He was also appointed the graduate speaker for his graduating class in April last year.
Today, Maharaj is carving a path in scientific research and climate change advocacy, exemplifying how determination can transform aspirations into reality. His academic journey is a testament that “you are not defined by where you come from but by what you make of the opportunity you’ve been given.”
During undergraduate studies, the world of academic and scientific research unveiled itself, igniting a fascination that would shape his career trajectory. Eager to delve deeper into research, Maharaj embarked on a Postgraduate Diploma in Climate Change, further honing his skills and commitment to addressing pressing global challenges.
His pursuit of excellence led to an internship with the Pacific Community (SPC), a premier research and development organisation in the Pacific region.
Within SPC’s Land Resources Division (LRD), Maharaj serves as a Knowledge Management Intern, which is central to enhancing the accessibility and organisation of the division’s vast repository of knowledge products.
These products, encompassing reports, publications, and datasets, support research and decision-making. Maharaj’s efforts focus on systematically organising these resources, ensuring they can be easily navigated and utilised by researchers and policymakers.
The internship served as a platform for Maharaj to develop essential research, analysis, and knowledge management skills.
By collaborating with some of the region’s leading experts, he gains insights and experiences that will prove invaluable in future endeavours. The role also aligns with his goal of contributing to impactful research that addresses environmental challenges.
He advises aspiring researchers to remain committed, diligent, and passionate in pursuing their goals. Practical experience and a solid educational foundation are crucial to success in the dynamic world of research.
