HE has been described as "the hero of Navua" in the list of nominees for Pride of Fiji.
Anand Sharma, 48, has a true community spirit and is an inspiration which has earned him the respect and admiration of the public.
Sharma is the roads supervisor at the Public Works Department depot at Taunovo in Navua.
He started as a labourer in 1982, following his father's footsteps.
"My father used to be the assistant roads supervisor at this depot and it was my dream to be like him and serve the people of Navua just like he did," he said.
"I failed the Fiji Junior exam but I did not lose hope.
"If you really want to do something for the people, you can.
"I learnt a lot from reading newspapers, which I never miss.
"It improved my English."
With determination, he went one step up from his father, who is proud that his son is following his footsteps with the PWD.
"I wanted to be here because this is where I grew up. I lived around this same government quarters when my dad was working here."
Sharma was the roads supervisor for Korovou and the Eastern Division before he was transferred to Taunovo where he has 50 people working under him.
"I have a great interest in doing something for the people and through this job I knew I could," said the father of five.
"I never get bored in this line of work because there is so much to be done and I enjoy my work.
"It gets very challenging in times of natural disasters and people's safety is always our priority.
"It feels good when, at the end of the day, people come to you and thank you for the work done or for the effort put in. This is my real achievement and getting the public's blessing is a wonderful thing."
Apart from road maintenance, Mr Sharma also takes a keen interest in beautifying the environment under his jurisdiction from Vunisoco to Navutulevu and to the interior of Namosi and Serua.
