In conversation with Ms Shivrani Prabhudial, President’s Medal winner and active member of Swaha.
Academic success is nothing new for Shivrani Prabhudial. In fact, she gained eight distinctions at the CSEC level in English, Mathematics, Principles of Business, Principles of Accounts, Spanish, Additional Mathematics and Biology. On gaining her Level 1 CAPE results and learning that she copped second, fourth and fifth place in Accounting, Management of Business and Economics respectively was of no surprise to family and friends. In total, she achieved eight distinctions at the CAPE level resulting in the prestigious honour of an Open Business Scholarship and of course, the President’s Medal.
Shivrani has always been a quiet and humble person, doing her duty tirelessly day in day out. When asked for some words of advice for the younger generation, her recipe for success was simple: work is worship and duty is God. She remarked that self-effort and determination are crucial to success. It is okay to make mistakes; actually, only through mistakes can one learn and develop new knowledge and skills. Mistakes should be seen as stepping stones to success. She highlighted the vital role that time management plays in any type of success. More importantly, Shivrani noted that it is essential to make time for ALL aspects of life: mental, physical, social and of course, spiritual.
The spiritual dimension of Shivrani’s life was always assigned a central and significant place. From very young, Shivrani has been an active member and participant of the Gyaan Deepak Kirtan Mandali, centre of Swaha International. She religiously attends all functions and never misses its weekly Sunday morning service. This is quite clear from conversations with her since she often quotes lessons gleaned from discourses delivered by His Holiness, the Paramacharya of Swaha, Pundit Hardeo Persad. She has managed to successfully apply in her daily life the many valuable lessons taught at temple. She sees the Swaha Gyaan Deepak Kirtan Mandali as another home and credits the teachings learnt there as one of the reasons for her success. Shivrani emphasises the focal role that her Guru (spiritual guide/teacher), Pundit Hardeo Persad, has played throughout her life so far. She reminds us that he has always highlighted the importance of doing one’s duty and, at this point in her life, the most significant aspect of her duty is that of being a good student.
Shivrani also credits the varied support systems that have enabled her success. In her own words, “One needs to have many support systems in this journey to President’s medal and indeed, I certainly had them.” She specifically recognises three forms of God in her life all of whom have moulded her journey. Firstly, the Supreme in the forms of Lord Ganesh and Mother Saraswati who bestowed knowledge with insight, a necessary tool for such success. Secondly, God in the form of her revered Guru, Paramacharya of Swaha, Pundit Hardeo Persad. Lastly, God in her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ramdial Prabhudial, who have always provided unstinting support, encouragement and motivation. Shivrani hastens to add that praise and thanks must be given to the Principal and teachers of the Lakshmi Girls’ Hindu College for their dedication and hard work.
It goes without saying that Swaha is extremely proud of this young scholar. She presents a good role model for the young ones. One of the most salient lessons to be learnt from her success is the importance of balance in one’s life. Shivrani maintains that it is key to find time for all aspects of life: physical, social, mental and above all, spiritual. In fact, the spiritual aspect should never be ignored. Swaha salutes and congratulates Ms. Shivrani Prabhudial. May you continue to be blessed with insightful knowledge.
