29/11/2025
๐ ๐๐จ๐ข๐๐ ๐๐ก๐๐ฉ๐๐ ๐๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐๐ฌ: ๐๐ก๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐๐ซ๐โ๐ฌ ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ง๐๐ฒ
From Bulileka, Labasa to the doctoral stage at the University of Fiji, Khemendra Kamal Kumar has built a journey defined by creativity, commitment, and resilience. He is completing his Doctor of Philosophy in English Studies, supported by family, mentorship, and a deep passion for language.
Raised as the third child of Kamla Prasad and Durga Wati, Khemendra grew up in Labasa, where his love for literature first took shape. Today, he is supported and inspired by his wife, Dr. Subashni Lata Kumar, and their daughter, Simran Kamal, who continue to motivate his academic path.
His study journey met difficult challenges. He began pursuing his PhD in India but had to return home due to COVID-19, a setback that still carries emotional weight. Later, he experienced the loss of his father, a deeply personal challenge during his research years. Through these moments, he remained committed to completing his academic work.
Khemendra credits his strength to his family, mentors, and particularly the support of his supervisor, Professor Subramani, who guided him throughout his research journey.
Following graduation, he plans to publish a collection of original short stories in English and later translate them into Fiji Hindi, contributing to Fijiโs growing literary landscape.
UniFiji has played a central role in his academic life. It is where he completed his Postgraduate Diploma in Language and Literature, his Masterโs in Educational Leadership, and now, his PhD in English Studies.
โThank you so much. The best is yet to come! I will make you proud.โ โ Khemendra