IT’S good to be important, but it’s more important to be good. Words of wise counsel and encouragement from a father to his son, which helped inspire John Shahil Rangan across the finish line, as he graduated from the Fiji National University with a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) (Industrial Arts).
Rangan came a long way, literally and figuratively, considering that he is from Navave, Bua. He is the first from his mother’s household (the Lutu family) to break through.
No one in his family had gone beyond Year 13, as their lives were cut short by what he believed were curses. His mother even begged him not to continue, fearing something might happen to him. His educational journey began at Vishnu Deo Memorial School in Lautoka, where he grew up.
A natural leader, he first joined the student council, later became deputy head boy, and eventually rose to head boy.
A lesser person may have thrown in the towel after being diagnosed with illness and admitted to Lautoka Hospital, but not Rangan. Despite at times feeling the weight of his circumstances, he pressed on.
“I never really thought I would pass Year 13. I was sick most of the time and often in the hospital. The struggle there was such that I ended up doing all of my projects and schoolwork while admitted.”
He credits the staff at the hospital for being a source of support and encouragement.
“I am so grateful to the nurses and doctors who helped me during that time. Back then, I didn’t know how to use a laptop, how to type, or even how to work with Microsoft Word, Excel, and other programmes. The nurses took the initiative to teach me – often late at night, even while they were on duty. Passing Year 13 was, in large part, thanks to them,” he said.
He didn’t just pass – he excelled, scoring 300 marks out of a possible 400. His outstanding achievement earned him a National Toppers Scholarship and the opportunity to pursue higher education in Suva.
The capital, however, did not at first turn out to be all that he had hoped. Turned away from a full hostel and left without the promised funding allowance for six weeks, Rangan found himself sleeping at the bus stand. Water from a public tap became his dinner – he would drink until his stomach felt full. One night, he was even robbed as he slept.
“Unfortunately, I was homeless. I slept at the bus stand for three days and three nights, with only my suitcase, clothes, laptop, and a few other belongings.”
Into what seemed a situation headed for disaster stepped police officer Napolioni Natadra Berabi – whom Rangan calls a brother, though they are unrelated by blood.
“He first adopted me as his cousin brother, but now he feels like a true brother to me.”
Taking Rangan under his wing, Berabi encouraged him to study.
When Berabi was transferred to Taveuni after a year, Rangan had found an even keel – his scholarship allowance finally arrived, and he rented a room in Cunningham. The stability this provided gave John the confidence to complete his academic journey.
Now a teacher at Gospel High School, he shares his story with his students as a reminder to never give up.
“Whatever you have, whatever you’re struggling with, just remember that God is always with you. Your entire family is out there praying for you. You may not see them or hear their prayers, but deep down, they are lifting you up. They are looking forward to your success. So, to all young people: be good to others, stay humble, and keep faith.”
