From a humble beginnings in Labasa, former Fiji National University alumnus, Professor Ankim Veera Swamy, 86, rose to be one of Fiji’s top academic scholars.

He was among award recipients at the Fiji National University Alumni Awards night at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva last Saturday.

“I thank FNU for recognising and appreciating my work through this award,” he said.

“My contribution to the nation doesn’t end here and as a scholar I am going to keep contributing to the Fiji’s development.”

“It was a great privilege to have been part of upgrading the academic system in our nation and upgrading it to another level and I hope my contribution will help in nation- building,” Professor Swamy said.

He was the first local director of Derrick Technical Institute which later became the Fiji Institute of Technology and has now been absorbed into the FNU.

After completing his early years of school at Labasa he moved to Viti Levu with the aim of furthering his education and finding employment.

After attaining a teacher’s certificate from Nasinu Teachers College in 1950 he has attained a long list of certificates and diplomas in science and mechanical engineering from various institutions around the world throughout the years.

His hard work and perseverance culminated in obtaining a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a PhD on Specialising in Effect of Noise and Vibration on Aircraft Structures from the University of Aston, UK, in 1970 and 1973.  He was elected a member of the Instution of Mechanical Engineers (UK) with professional status, C.Eng.MI.Mech.E ,UK in 1974.

He also helped establish the Air Terminal Services (Fiji) Limited.

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