Viendra Prasad entered Tilak High School in 1967, at the start of Fiji’s journey to independence an era of transformation for both nation and student alike. Now retired from a distinguished career as Executive Officer West in the Ministry of Agriculture, he fondly recalls the school’s role in shaping both his personal values and professional path. “Tilak gave me a strong foundation not just in academics, but in life,” he says.

After graduating in 1972, Viendra began his service pathway at Fiji Pine Trust before serving in the Ministry of Agriculture, where his work supporting farmers and rural communities became a true.calling. He credits Tilak’s emphasis on discipline, empathy, and community as the bedrock of his approach to leadership in agriculture.

Tilak High School itself has long been a pillar in Fiji’s educational landscape—founded in 1955 and sustained by community dedication before receiving government support in 1981. The school’s alumni association, the Ex-Tilak Scholars Club, continues this legacy today by mentoring current students, fundraising, and reinforcing the values Viendra holds dear.

To current students, he offers this simple yet powerful advice: “Respect your teachers, work hard, and never forget where you come from. Every small act of service contributes to the greater good.” His message resonates deeply with Tilak’s tradition of mentorship and discipline. As one recent Tilak alumnus—a teacher who returned to guide students in computing—put it: “Discipline is very important. If you have discipline you can achieve what you aim for. You also need to be dedicated to your goals and work towards them. Lastly, have hope.

This advice isn’t just personal—it’s backed by an organized effort from the Ex Tilak Scholars Club, whose mentorship and fundraising initiatives are built on the same values of integrity, leadership, and community service. That continuity from alumni guidance to current student support—demonstrates how Tilak’s enduring impact continues to shape both individuals and the broader community.