Gyaneshwar Pillay, who once left school in Year 6 to collect beer bottles for money, has now been officially admitted to the bar at the High Court in Suva last week, marking the culmination of a remarkable journey of resilience and determination.
Originally from Tuatua in Labasa,the 34-year-old told fijivillage News that he overcame a challenging childhood, being raised primarily by his single mother, and returned to school after a year away from formal education to support his family.
Pillay says after completing Form 7 in 2010 with limited marks, he was unable to gain entry to university to study law.
Instead, he joined the police force, a career that taught him maturity, discipline, and resilience.
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Even after a suspension for a minor incident early in his career, Pillay says he used the experience to reflect on personal growth and the need to lead by example.
Eight years later, Pillay was accepted into the School of Law through mature entry, and today, he stands as a proud lawyer, ready to advocate for justice.
His aim, he says, is to support members of the community who struggle to understand the law and to fight for fairness, regardless of the case.
Beyond his legal career, Pillay has also built a reputation as a soccer commentator, having started with Communications Fiji Limited under the mentorship of renowned journalist Vijay Narayan.
When asked about advice for aspiring lawyers, Pillay emphasised perseverance and self-determination.
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From collecting beer bottles on the streets of Suva to standing in the High Court as a qualified lawyer, Gyaneshwar Pillay’s journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of never giving up.
