Late Dr Umanand Prasad
The Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji is saddened by the news of the passing away of Dr. Umanand Prasad, the Foundation Dean of the Umanand Prasad School of Medicine at The University of Fiji in a road accident on Sunday in Adelaide.
Dr. Prasad was originally from Labasa and having served the Ministry of Health as doctor moved to Australia and resided in Adelaide.
When the Establishment of the University of Fiji was announced by the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji in December 2004, Dr. Prasad got engaged with the University Project by proposing the establishment of a medical school that he would personally fund.
Dr. Prasad’s proposal was received by the Sabha with much appreciation and planning on this proposal began between Dr. Prasad, the Sabha and UniFiji Administration and at the dedication Ceremony held on 5th of March 2006 Dr. Prasad was given a special time to address the gathering.
Addressing the gathering Dr. Prasad made a public announcement that he would provide $1 million towards the construction of the UniFiji Medical School and this announcement was received with a thunderous applause from the capacity packed UniFiji Hall. His proposal re-profiled the objectives of UniFiji and brought in the second medical school for Fiji.
In appreciation the UniFiji Council at its meeting of 25th of March 2006 took the decision to name the medical school as Umanand Prasad School of Medicine in perpetuity.
The Medical School began operations in 2008 with Dr. Prasad as the Honorary Dean resulting in his relocation from Adelaid to Saweni, Lautoka. Dr. Prasad had plans to build a Hall of Residence for the students and in consultation with the Sabha had bought a piece of land adjacent to UniFiji Saweni Campus.
The Umanand Prasad School of Medicine will graduate its first batch of graduands in December 2013 and Dr. Prasad was eagerly awaiting the event to be present and participate.
In April this year Dr. Prasad made the final payment towards his promised $1 million to establish the Medical school along with $45,000.00 worth of scholarships to UniFiji students.
The news of the tragic passing away of Dr. Prasad has shocked the Sabha and its members. As a good Samaritan Dr. Prasad has left an indelible mark in the annals of the Sabha and the History of The University of Fiji. He has set a new standard of benevolence for posterity to remember.
“Fiji has lost a good son,” stated Mr. Arya.
The Sabha prays for his soul’s fruitful journey into next life and the ultimate salvation and sends its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Umanand Prasad.
Kamlesh Arya – APS Media Relations Office