SVN’s Narindra Persaud awarded Lester B Pearson Scholarship

Narindra Persaud, a Saraswati Vidya Niketan (SVN) student who in 2016 was one of the best graduating students at CSEC, has been awarded a Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship to pursue studies in the Faculty of Life Sciences at the University of Toronto, Mississauga.

This annual scholarship, named after a former Canadian Prime Minister, recognizes international students who demonstrate academic excellence with a drive to lead the improvement of their communities.
While thousands of students worldwide apply for this elite scholarship, Persaud has been one of 38 students actually selected for the 2020 cohort. He succeeds Vamanadev Hiralall, who was granted the scholarship in 2018.
Hiralall and Persaud, both of the SVN, are the only students from Guyana to ever be awarded this prestigious scholarship. Persaud hails from a humble background in the village of Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo. Initially, he was displeased with his performance at the NGSA, having obtained a place at Zeeburg Secondary.
Narindra attended SVN and was one of the most outstanding performers at CSEC in 2016, matriculating in 20 subjects with 14 Grade Ones. He attributes this success to the dedication to excellence and discipline espoused by SVN, together with the support of his teachers and family.
After a one-year break from studies, Mr. Persaud returned to SVN to pursue studies at CAPE. Despite difficulties transitioning to full-time studies again, he was SVN’s best graduating student at CAPE in 2019, with passes in 14 units.
Persaud has been an exemplary student of SVN, where many of his teachers noted his competitive nature and his devotion to producing excellent work. He has always striven to improve himself, evident by his academic achievements. This enthusiasm extends to his current work as a Chemistry teacher at SVN.
The young scholar also exemplifies the school’s philosophy of giving back to one’s community. He has been involved in teaching science subjects to children at local orphanages, and in October 2019, he single-handedly organised SVN’s blood drive.
Having grown up in a larger impoverished neighbourhood, where much importance is not given to education, Persaud is interested in helping to alleviate these problems through his volunteer work.
The Principal, Faculty and students of SVN join in congratulating Persaud, and wishing him continued success as he embarks on a journey to pursue a career as a general surgeon in the medical field.