SHE has the looks, the brains and most important, the heart to build a safe haven for all in Fiji.
Roshika Deo, former president of Rotaract Club of Suva, is still trying to wrap her head around her latest honour -- the Paul Harris Award.
But if there is one issue she is profoundly passionate about, it is securing the young generation with a bright and better future. What disturbs Roshika the most is witnessing discrimination and stigmatisation among issues such as child abuse and labour and sexual exploitation.
And she has made it a point to live life to the full by doing her bit for the community whether it is co-ordinating the kitchen renovation at St Giles Hospital or organising the prison literacy project.
"I don't want to see children begging on the street or young girls selling themselves so they can afford food, children not getting educated or stigmatisation of groups such as mental health, prostitution and people mistreated unfairly and unethically," she said.
"I want the world, the community I live in to be a better place for all. I want equality and justice.
"Nothing will change but if I do something about it, if I take action, if I am proactive about it instead of whining about it, then I will be able to change it.
"After all, it is my future and I want to be involved in it."
A lawyer by profession, Roshika is a research officer for the Fiji Women's Rights Movement.
She is also the 9920 district rotaract representative and her love for community service brings her satisfaction.
The eldest of five children, Roshika attended Veiuto Primary School and Suva Grammar. She completed foundation studies at the University of Southern Queensland in Toowoomba, Australia and enrolled in a combined degree program at the University of Western Sydney.
Her travels took her to India on a study break. She returned to Fiji in mid-2003 where she completes a law degree at the University of the South Pacific.
"I believe in work ethics, responsibility, commitment and time management," she once said.
Roshika was a presenter at the Rotary Youth Leadership Award in New Zealand and was oblivious to the surprise the Rotary Club of Newmarket planned.
"I had no idea about the award. I wasn't expecting it. I was fiddling with the camera when I heard my name called. It's an overwhelming feeling to be given this honour." She admits it is not easy challenging people's attitude but said it was harder trying to make a difference.
"Young people are the future. We need to improve our quality of life to be able to shape our future and make changes in a responsible and productive manner."
