16/11/2025
Honoring the life of an examplery educator. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
We honour and celebrate the life of the late Mr. Sant Ram — a distinguished teacher, mentor, and visionary leader whose influence shaped countless lives across Fiji. Despite the profound impact he made, he remained humble and quietly dedicated to his mission of education. His hard work, intelligence, and unwavering commitment will forever be remembered and deeply respected.
Tarana was recently contacted by one of his former students from the Fiji Islands, Mr. Atulesh Prasad, who spoke with great admiration about his beloved teacher. Mr. Sant Ram’s son also shared how deeply his father valued education and how passionately he worked to uplift every student under his care.
Born in Waiqele, Labasa, to Mr. and Mrs. Ram Dulare, Mr. Sant Ram completed his primary education in Labasa before attending SCHS in Nadi, where he formed lifelong friendships — including with the current Fiji Labour Party leader, Mr. Mahendra Chaudhry. Throughout his career, he left an enduring mark on students who continue to cherish his guidance and remain grateful for his wisdom.
He began his teaching journey at Vunimoli Islamiya School before returning to teach at his village school, Waiqele Bhartiya School. In 1968, recognising his extraordinary talent and leadership potential, an Education Advisor from Suva (an expatriate from the UK) selected him to serve as head teacher. At just 32 years of age, he took on the role of head teacher at Khemendra Bhartiya School in Savusavu, where he excelled and inspired many. Under his leadership, the school achieved outstanding academic results, and several teachers who worked with him later rose to become head teachers in schools across Fiji.
In 1976, he led a team of South Pacific education leaders to New Zealand. Though he was offered positions in Hawke’s Bay and later to lead one of Suva’s largest primary schools, he chose to remain in Vanua Levu, dedicated to serving the children of Labasa. His loyalty to his community and devotion to education were unwavering.
From 1977 to 1989, he served with distinction as the head teacher of Waiqele Bhartiya School, where he not only guided the school but also mentored school leaders from across Fiji, helping them strengthen their leadership and teaching skills. The Ministry of Education sought his expertise once again, involving him in planning and development at Bulileka Sanatan Dharam Primary School (the oldest Sanatan school in Vanua Levu) as a Level 3 head teacher. In the three years before his retirement, he raised standards, inspired belief, and encouraged the community to work together to improve academic achievement for all students.
The Chief Education Officer Primary of Fiji, Mr. Satish Singh — himself a former student — always addressed him as guru ji. Mr. Singh recalled that Mr. Ram always had a clear vision: he visited parents, encouraged teachers to take extra classes in the evenings and on weekends, and provided pastoral care for students facing challenges. He believed that when a student succeeds, so do the parents. During his professional career, he also enforced a strict rule that teachers were not allowed to smoke on school premises.
Mr. Ram left every school he served with strong structures and systems, always keeping student achievement at the centre. He was a man ahead of his time, with a broad and inclusive vision. For example, he encouraged the iTaukei community to join the school committee. He worked with the people of Nakama Koro to build a large bure at the school, established an early childhood education centre, and developed a school library with a sick bay — all at no cost to the school. He achieved this through his network of former students, many holding senior positions in Suva and overseas, as well as through grants from foreign embassies. Mr. Ram wanted the children of Labasa to enjoy the same educational opportunities as those in Western countries, without losing their values and culture.
One of his most significant contributions was his successful lobbying to bring electricity from Labasa Town to Waiqele, ensuring better learning conditions for children. Under his leadership, the school transformed — from makeshift bamboo shelters into proper, well-structured buildings. In recognition of his exceptional service, he received the Presidential Award from Prime Minister Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara in 1995.
After migrating to New Zealand that same year, he continued his passion for teaching by educating his grandchildren at home — guiding them through their schoolwork and teaching Hindi language and literature. Another former student, Mr. Vasu Maharaj from Australia, who was taught by him in 1964, also reached out to Tarana to express deep gratitude for the strong academic foundation Mr. Sant Ram had given him.
Today, we pay heartfelt tribute to an outstanding education administrator, an inspiring classroom teacher, and a compassionate leader who dedicated his life to the service of others.
May his noble soul rest in eternal peace.
